My name's Jamie and I've volunteered and worked in the workshop, warehouse and retail space of Glasgow Wood.

Building skills & confidence

I initially came to Glasgow Wood as a volunteer wanting to build confidence around new people. But now looking back I can see I’ve also learnt so many new skills in woodworking, using various tools to make loads of Glasgow Wood products. I’ve grown as a person and built my self-confidence so I feel a lot better about socialising with new people now.

For 6 months I was also on the paid placement opportunity with Glasgow Guarantee where I was in the warehouse and retail space. Dealing with customers was really challenging at first for me but it’s been really good for helping me to build confidence as a person. Getting to know colleagues was the best part of the experience though.

Volunteering at Glasgow Wood was my first time in an environment like this, so everything was so new to me. I really appreciate how much I’ve been able to take away from Glasgow Wood.

From learning how to be part of a big team and understanding all the different areas of the social enterprise, I’ve been able to apply lots of things to my new job.

Things to take away

As a volunteer I was in the workshop building lots of different types of furniture and always lots of planters. Then on the paid work placement I was in the warehouse and retail space seeing a whole different side to the business. It really opened my eyes to seeing deliveries being made, dealing with customers and seeing how sales are processed. It was a real learning curve in seeing how both retail and workshop works, and it helped me to see better how a social enterprise works.

Learning time management skills has been really good at helping to make sure I arrive on time for work. I feel confident enough to build up trust with the people I work with and also people in management. Getting to know everyone has been really good.

I also gained an external qualification in manual handling and forklift training. I’m not using it now but this will be really good to have in the future.

PHOTO: this was Jamie’s volunteer project where he chose to build a Suilven Bookcase. After a certain amount of time volunteering, every volunteer is given the opportunity to build something for themselves or a loved one.

Moving on to employment

I now work as a general assistant and cleaner at a small family run catering business who make lunches for private nurseries across Glasgow. It’s called Bread Winners Nursery Kitchen based in the Gorbals near Glasgow Green.

All of my time at Glasgow Wood helped me to learn how to deal with new situations, and also working together as a team which has really helped me too. I’m now able to speak to people whereas before I was nervous, and I’m now also able to help others.

I really appreciated the opportunity to both volunteer and work at Glasgow Wood. It’s helped me to grow as a person, gain skills and life experience which I wouldn’t get anywhere else. Hearing everyone’s different stories and backgrounds was the most memorable and fascinated me most. Every couple of weeks I go back to Glasgow Wood to share my updates and also hear what’s going on in the workshop and timber yard. I’m really glad this is something I can still do.