- Chandos Business Centre, 87 Warwick Street, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4RJ
A practical route into work through real jobs, real support and real confidence.
For Trade Associates
Dormant Trade Skills offers a practical, work-led route for young adults aged 18+ who may learn better by doing than by sitting in a classroom.
You work alongside experienced Trade Mentors on suitable real maintenance jobs, building confidence, routine and practical skills step by step.
This is not unpaid work experience or a short classroom course. It is structured, supervised, paid participation in real work.
Who this programme is for
A Practical Route to Work
The Trade Associate role may suit young adults who:
- Are aged 18 or over
- Want a practical route into work
- Prefer learning by doing
- Would benefit from structure, support and routine
- Want to build confidence and useful skills
You do not need previous trade experience. What matters most is willingness to learn, reliability and turning up ready to take part.
How you will learn
Learning on Real Jobs
As a Trade Associate, you learn by working alongside a Trade Mentor on suitable real maintenance jobs.
- You watch, practise and ask questions on site
- Work is explained step by step
- You are supported to build skills safely
- Proper working methods and standards are prioritised
You are never left to work alone or expected to know things you have not been taught.
what you will gain
What You Will Gain from the Programme
A Trade Associate is a young adult learning practical skills through Dormant Trade Skills.
You are not expected to know everything before you start. You are there to learn, ask questions, practise, improve and build confidence over time.
Trade Associates work with experienced Trade Mentors on suitable real maintenance jobs. The mentor leads the work, explains what is happening and helps you learn safely.
As a Trade Associate, you may learn about:
- Practical maintenance skills
- Confidence working in real environments
- Better routine and work habits
- Understanding of workplace expectations
- Evidence of progress that can support the next step
The focus is on helping you move closer to employment, further training or another suitable positive route.
Support and Expectations
Supported by Experienced Trade Mentors
DTS is supportive, but it is also based on real work. That means encouragement, supervision and clear expectations all matter.
Trade Mentors are there to guide, explain, supervise and help you build confidence step by step. The aim is to create a calm, practical learning environment where mistakes can be corrected safely and progress can be recognised.
NEXT STEPS
Interested in becoming a Trade Associate?
If you are interested in practical, work-led learning, the next step is to get in touch.
You can contact us directly, or an enquiry can be made by a parent, carer, support worker, local authority or partner organisation.
Dormant Trade Skills turns suitable local maintenance work into paid, supervised training opportunities by connecting young adults with experienced tradespeople who still have knowledge to pass on.
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Contact Details
If you have questions you can contact us
- Chandos Business Centre, 87 Warwick Street, Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 4RJ
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