At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage exciting outdoor classroom projects across the UK.
- Company: Join School Outdoor Learning, transforming educational spaces for children.
- Benefits: Competitive freelance rates, flexible working, and ongoing project pipeline.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team passionate about outdoor learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's education through inspiring outdoor environments.
- Qualifications: Experience in carpentry, landscaping, and project management is essential.
Contract type Freelance
Location: Throughout UK
Salary day rate:Competitive day rate
Location: UKwide (must be willing to travel)
Contract: Freelance (selfemployed – invoice per project)
Rate: Competitive day rate (based on experience & role)
Start date: ASAP – ongoing pipeline of projects
About Us
We are School Outdoor Learning (SOuL). We design and build highquality outdoor classrooms, play and learning spaces for schools across the UK. Our mission is to enable more children to learn outside, all year round, by creating inspiring and functional environments that support outdoor education.
We combine craftsmanship, ecological design, and educational purpose to deliver projects that transform school grounds. As demand grows, we’re looking for skilled freelance Project Managers and Carpenters who are excited by outdoor learning, experienced in building with timber, landscaping, groundworks, and comfortable working on dynamic school sites across the UK.
The Roles
1. Freelance Project Manager (with Carpentry & Landscaping Experience)
You’ll lead outdoor classroom projects from start to finish:
- Overseeing onsite delivery and managing build teams
- Coordinating logistics, materials, site preparation, and health & safety
- Carrying out handson timber construction work (framing, decking, roofing, etc.)
- Operating small plant machinery (e.g. mini diggers / excavators) where needed
- Engaging with school staff and maintaining clear communication throughout
- Ensuring work is delivered on time, to a high standard, and in line with design specifications
2. Freelance Carpenter / Skilled Tradesperson (Build & Groundwork Focus)
Supporting the lead Project Manager with:
- Groundworks, landscaping & site preparation
- Use of excavation machinery (training or ticket desirable)
- Following design plans and keeping quality & safety front of mind
- Strong experience in carpentry and timber construction
- Experience in groundworks, landscaping & site preparation
- Confident with excavator / minidigger operation – training or tickets preferred
- Project / site management experience (for PM role)
- Willingness to travel across the UK – essential
- Freelancer, selfemployed status, invoicing per project
- Ability to prioritise our work reliably – no overcommitting to other projects that block us
- Genuine interest in or openness to outdoor learning and how educational spaces outdoors matter
- Strong communication, professionalism, safety awareness
Why Work With Us?
- Deliver purposedriven projects that transform how children learn
- Be part of a growing, supportive team of likeminded professionals
- Work on varied and creative builds across the UK
- Competitive freelance rates + ongoing work pipeline
- Flexible working conditions within structured project deadlines
- Your CV / summary of trade & project experience
- A short statement about why outdoor learning matters to you
- Photos / examples of past builds / wood, landscaping or outdoor structure work
- Your location, your availability, and how far you can travel
- Any machinery tickets / licences you hold
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early applicants encouraged!
Freelance Project Managers, Carpenters/Landscapers – Outdoor Learning Builds - UK employer: Institute for Outdoor Learning
At School Outdoor Learning (SOuL), we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions outdoor education and craftsmanship. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration among skilled professionals, offering competitive freelance rates and a steady pipeline of projects across the UK. Join us in transforming educational spaces while enjoying flexible working conditions and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's learning experiences.
Contact Details:
Institute for Outdoor Learning Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Project Managers, Carpenters/Landscapers – Outdoor Learning Builds - UK
✨Join Local Trade Associations
Getting involved with local trade associations can open up doors for freelance gigs in your area. These communities often have job boards or networking events where you can showcase your skills and connect with potential clients looking for skilled tradespeople.
✨Show Off Your Work
Having a public portfolio is key for freelancers in the skilled trades. Set up an online gallery of past projects, whether it’s plumbing, carpentry, or electrical work, so potential clients can see the quality of your workmanship. Platforms like Instagram can also be great for sharing before-and-after photos!
✨Use Local Buy/Sell Groups
Don't underestimate the power of local Facebook groups or community boards! You can find people actively looking for skilled tradespeople in your area. Post your services, engage with the community, and keep an eye out for requests that fit your expertise.
✨Collaborate with Other Trades
Team up with other freelancers or businesses in complementary trades. If you’re a painter, connect with builders or landscapers who might need your services for their projects. This way, we can all refer clients to each other, creating a solid network that benefits us all!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Project Managers, Carpenters/Landscapers – Outdoor Learning Builds - UK
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:When you're applying for a freelance role in skilled trades like Freelance Project Managers, Carpenters/Landscapers – Outdoor Learning Builds - UK, your portfolio is your best friend! Include photos and descriptions of past projects, ideally ones that are similar to the work you'd do for Institute for Outdoor Learning. This gives potential clients a clear picture of your skills and what you bring to the table.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:Always make sure to list any relevant certifications or qualifications that make you stand out in the skilled trades sector. If you've got trade-specific certificates or licenses, like health and safety training, flaunt them! This adds credibility and demonstrates your commitment to the industry.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Freelancing means flexibility, but be upfront with your availability! In your application, mention when you can start and any blackout periods when you might not be available to work. Clarity helps Institute for Outdoor Learning understand how you can fit into their schedule.
Tailor Your Application:Just like crafting a piece of furniture or a cool renovation, every application should be customised! Research Institute for Outdoor Learning and mention specific projects or values that resonate with you in your cover letter. This personal touch shows you're genuinely interested in working with them.
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Outdoor Learning
✨Showcase Your Best Work
As a freelancer in the skilled trades, it's crucial to bring a solid portfolio with you. We should highlight specific projects that demonstrate our skills and problem-solving abilities. Pictures and detailed descriptions will help us prove our worth to Institute for Outdoor Learning!
✨Know Your Tools Inside Out
Expect to talk about the tools and techniques we use in our trade. Familiarise ourselves with any industry-standard equipment that could be relevant to the job at Institute for Outdoor Learning. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that we're knowledgeable and ready to take on the challenge.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Rates and Availability
As freelancers, we're not just selling our skills, but also our time. We should come prepared to discuss our rates transparently and outline our availability for projects at Institute for Outdoor Learning. This honest dialogue sets the tone for a professional relationship right from the start.
✨Practice Your Pitch
Freelancing interviews are a bit like pitching your services. We can practise explaining what makes us unique, the value we bring, and why we're a great fit for Institute for Outdoor Learning. A confident pitch can make a difference in landing that contract!
