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Here at Toolstation, we don’t just sell the tools, you can get the chance to use them as well.

We support the social enterprise VIY (Volunteer It Yourself), which teaches young people DIY and trade skills by getting them to volunteer in projects in their community, such as repairing or refurbishing youth facilities, sports clubs and community centres. And there are plenty of chances for colleagues to get their hands dirty on site themselves if they would like to get involved in a project.

Since we started supporting VIY in 2021, Toolstation has worked on projects in Coventry, New Malden, Daventry and Wembdon near Bridgwater, helping more than 100 young people learn valuable trade skills. The young volunteers who take part in VIY projects are mentored by local professional tradespeople and can work towards and gain City & Guilds entry level qualifications in construction.

Toolstation works with the social enterprise to identify relevant projects and provides funding for the young people’s training and mentoring by VIY’s lead mentors. We also fund the young people’s City & Guilds accreditations along with the facilitation of further training and employment opportunities. Toolstation is carrying out its fourth project in partnership with VIY, at Wembdon Village Hall, near our HQ in Bridgwater. There, young people have been working with the trade mentors to create a new youth and community space in the building.

VIY chief operating officer, Ed Sellwood, said: "Our partnership with Toolstation enables us to undertake renovation projects that have real impact on the local communities they live to serve. “It's also a great way to join in as colleagues and for your business to help directly develop a new diverse generation of tradespeople, whilst improving local community spaces and supporting young people with construction skills and employment opportunities.”