At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and create bespoke aids for individuals with disabilities.
- Company: Join Remap Berkshire, a charity dedicated to empowering those with disabilities.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, travel expenses reimbursed, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work from home and enjoy ongoing support from a passionate team.
- Why this job: Use your creativity to solve problems and enhance lives in your community.
- Qualifications: DIY skills, problem-solving mindset, and access to a workshop.
Practical engineer to help those with a disability. Our volunteer engineers make aids for the disabled that are not available to buy. If a person with a disability, or their carer or medical practitioner, identifies a problem that can be resolved with a piece of equipment, but no one makes it, then Remap will. Our service is free to the user.
When a request for help is received by the Remap case officer, the job will be allocated to a volunteer engineer who will arrange to visit the client, with a medical professional if appropriate, to understand the problem. The engineer will then return home and, after careful consideration of the issues, design and make the aid in their own workshop. After delivering the aid to the client and making any adjustments (it may take several attempts, like any prototype), the job is complete. You will work from home and every effort will be made to give you jobs close by to minimise travel (although travel costs will be reimbursed).
About Remap Berkshire: Volunteer engineers at the charity Remap Berkshire design and make free equipment and gadgets for those with disabilities where nothing suitable is available commercially. These bespoke solutions enable people of all ages to do independently what would otherwise not be possible: sports, hobbies, travel, work, education, mobility, personal care. Remap Berkshire is the local branch of a national charity, and serves the county of Berkshire and North Hampshire.
What skills do I need? The volunteer needs to have the ability and skill to understand a problem, and then design and make the solution. The ability to come up with an original concept is vital; no one comes to us with a readymade design! It would suit a skilled DIYer, model maker or craftsman. It does not require a degree in engineering, although some of our members do have one. You will need a car to visit clients and buy materials. You will need your own workshop (or access to one) although this does not need to be elaborate because one of your skills will be to come up with a simple design. This work will appeal to anyone who enjoys solving problems and making things. Remap will provide you with an inexhaustible supply.
When is this role available? This is a flexible role available on various days/times. The timing and duration of the work is entirely in the control of the volunteer. Although most of our volunteers are retired, we have some who also work full time.
Accessibility: You will be working from home and visiting clients in their own home.
Equal opportunities policy: Remap welcomes anyone with the necessary skills to volunteer with us. Similarly, we help anyone with our work.
Expenses reimbursed: Out-of-pocket expenses (essentially materials and petrol) are reimbursed.
Ongoing support: Volunteers are expected to come ready trained and there is no formal training offered. However, new recruits are mentored and advice is always available. Regular team meetings allow jobs to be discussed.
Volunteers covered by insurance: Remap carries third party liability insurance.
Application Process: Application Form, Informal Discussion, References, Trial Period.
Volunteer Engineer employer: Volunteerwestberks
Remap Berkshire is an exceptional employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community. As a volunteer engineer, you will enjoy the flexibility of working from home while using your creativity and skills to design bespoke aids for individuals with disabilities. With a supportive work culture that values innovation and problem-solving, along with reimbursement for travel expenses, Remap offers a rewarding opportunity to contribute to the lives of others in Berkshire and North Hampshire.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Volunteer Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Get your hands dirty! Reach out to local charities or community groups like Remap Berkshire and offer your skills. Volunteering is a great way to showcase your engineering talents while making a real difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network, network, network! Connect with other engineers and volunteers in the field. Attend workshops or meet-ups to share ideas and learn from each other. You never know who might have a lead on your next opportunity!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your creativity! When you’re chatting with potential clients or during interviews, highlight your problem-solving skills and any unique projects you've worked on. This will help you stand out as a volunteer engineer.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get involved with Remap Berkshire. Plus, we love seeing passionate individuals who want to make a difference in the lives of those with disabilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Volunteer Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're filling out your application, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference for those with disabilities.
Highlight Your Skills:Make sure to showcase any relevant skills or experiences you have in DIY, crafting, or problem-solving. We love seeing how your unique abilities can contribute to our mission at Remap.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make it easy for us to understand your background and what you can bring to the table.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your journey with Remap.
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteerwestberks
✨Understand the Mission
Before your interview, take some time to really understand what Remap does. Familiarise yourself with their mission of creating bespoke solutions for those with disabilities. This will help you articulate why you're passionate about the role and how your skills can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've identified a problem and created a solution. Whether it's a DIY project or a model you've built, highlight your creativity and practical skills. This is crucial since the role requires original concepts that aren't commercially available.
✨Discuss Your Workshop Setup
Since you'll be working from home, it’s important to talk about your workshop setup during the interview. Share what tools and materials you have access to, and how you plan to use them to create aids for clients. This shows you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Ask About the Mentorship Process
Inquire about the mentorship and support available for new volunteers. This demonstrates your eagerness to learn and grow within the role. It also shows that you value collaboration and are keen to integrate into the team effectively.
