Q. Are these really trade skills?
A. Absolutely. The primary difference between a professional tradesman and a
student using the skills that we teach is the speed at which one can use those skills and that only comes with time and experience.
Clearly no four day course will allow you to state that you are "time served" or carry a "recognised qualification" however our skillfully designed tutoring methods combined with your growing experience will enable you to develop a portfolio of work that will speak for itself. The investment that you make to continue the development of your new skills will enable you to expand the range of jobs that you will be able to tackle.
Q: You are competitively priced against other courses. How have you maintained such high quality?
A. We aim to offer the greatest value for money by providing competitively priced courses whilst maintaining and developing our high standards.
The DIY school's 5000sq ft facility enables us to run 3 courses simultaneously without compromising quality. Such space enables us to give you more practice space and surfaces than many other schools. We are also careful not to be wasteful, use innovative methods of teaching that reduce cost, maintain quality and keep prices competitive.
Q. I have never done this sort of thing before. Will I be able to do it?
A. You never know until you try. Our courses including Plastering, Tiling, Bricklaying and Decorating Essentials Courses anticipate that you are a beginner in the subject that you are learning. We recognise that everybody is different and
learn at different paces. We give those needing extra support a little more
time and often find that the fast learners really help the slower ones in a
supportive environment. Our Advanced Plastering and Bricklaying courses do anticipate that you will have past experience.
Q. Should I consult a doctor before coming?
A. There is no getting away from the fact that the building courses do involve
lifting, reaching and strenuous activity. During the courses most people will be
using muscles that are unaccustomed to hard work. You can go at your own pace
as you are under no pressure to do anything that you are not comfortable with.
If you are unsure then consult your doctor.
Q. What are the start and finish times?
A. Our Building and diy Courses start at 10am promptly so please try your best to be at the school in good time to be ready for a 10am start. The School will be open from 9.30am. If you find you are going to be late and if it is safe to do so try and give us a call ON 0161 477 4270 and we will try and accommodate you without delaying the start of the course.
Finishing time of the Building and DIY courses time will be up to about 4.30pm and is individually flexible dependent upon your progress and your other commitments. Remember you are here to learn as much as you can from the courses as well as enjoying yourself rather than finishing a specific job. You can do as much or as little as you like.
Q. What should I wear for the Building and DIY courses?
A.Remember that your clothes are likely to become heavily if not permanently soiled so old clothes should be worn.This is especially true of the Plastering Courses.
The DIY School Ltd is like a construction site in that nails etc may be on the floor and heavy things may be dropped. Sturdy shoes should be worn that will offer you protection.
Q. Can I wear contact lenses?
A.We will provide safety glasses. We do not recommend that contact lenses are worn as the area is dusty.
Q. What refreshment and lunch facilities do you have?
A.We provide tea, coffee and cold drinks at no charge.
We have a fairly flexible lunch from between 30 mins and 1 hr depending upon how you are progressing with the course.
We have a small seating area for you to take any breaks and have your lunch.
You can purchase lunch from one of the local supermarkets, sandwich shop in the mill during the week or bring your own. We do not offer any food heating facilities.
Q. How do I get to you?
A.We are immediately next to Junction 27 of the M60 Motorway on the Portwood Roundabout in Stockport behind Tesco Supermarket. Turn into the Tesco service road which is Water Street and follow that round turning into the Mill. Continue back round to the front of the mill following The DIY School direction signs. Our main entrance is at the far end of the mill on the 3rd Floor.
Q. What if I have not paid the balance of the course fee?
A.Please note that if an outstanding balance is due, cleared funds or cash must be received before you can attend the course. This means that payments made within 10 working days of the start date will need to be made in cash. We regret that cheques cannot be accepted during the period 10 days before the start date. Non payment of the balance will regrettably result in your place being cancelled without any refund.