Portable Appliance Tester
Project overview
Action 21’s Re-Use shops accept and sell donated goods to reduce the number of useful items going to landfill and to raise money for sustainability projects in the local community. Last year The Recycle Warehouse diverted over 100 tonnes of rubbish from landfill!
Principal Function of Volunteer
We receive many electrical donations which we need to test before selling them to the public. As a Portable Appliance Tester you will receive a certified one-day PAT training course, after which you will be able to complete safety tests to ensure they can be resold to the public. You’ll also be involved in completing function tests to ensure the items are in full working order, and possibly making small repairs if you feel able to do so.
Some of our experienced volunteers work with new volunteers to show them the ropes. You can be involved in this, although the activities you take part in will depend on your individual capabilities and preferences.
Tasks and Activities
As a volunteer you will carry out some or all of the following activities, depending on your individual capabilities and preferences. This list is only a guide to the types of activities that may be required.
- Sorting through electrical goods and completing visual inspections
- Completing the Portable Appliance Test
- Completing function tests
- Filling in the appropriate records and monitoring sheets
- Cleaning goods ready for resale
- Creatively displaying goods for sale
Benefits
We value our volunteers and aim to fully support them in their volunteering. As part of this commitment we hold regular review sessions so we can check that you’re enjoying your volunteering placement and that your needs are being met. We also believe that volunteers should not be out of pocket for donating their time and effort and so we pay back all volunteers’ reasonable travel expenses.
Skills/Qualifications/Experience sought
- No particular experience or skills are required as a one day training course and further ongoing support will be provided. We ask individuals to be enthusiastic about the role and willing to learn to work using their initiative. Volunteers should ideally have an interest in electrical equipment.
- We also ask that PAT volunteers make a minimum contribution of 12 shifts to “pay back” the cost of their training.
- This role provides excellent work experience, especially for people pursuing a career in electricals or other similar practical jobs.
Minimum age: 16
Time commitment required
Volunteers usually commit to a minimum of 1 shift of 3 ½ hours per week (9:30am-1pm or 1pm-4:30pm) but there is some flexibility, please ask us. If you have the time to volunteer for a full day (9:30-4:30pm) we’ll even give you a free lunch!
Training, Reviews & Support
General
- Registration session with Amy, The Volunteer Programme Manager to provide an overview of Action 21 and what volunteering on our projects involves. Also gives you a chance to ask any questions you may have.
- Project Induction with Kristie
- End of probation review session (after 4 weeks or sessions of volunteering; with Amy and/or Kristie as appropriate)
- 6 monthly review sessions
Expenses
You can claim back reasonable expenses for travel. How you go about claiming back these costs will be explained in more detail during your induction.
If you have the time to volunteer for a full day (9:30-4:30pm) we’ll even give you a free lunch!
Dress Code
No open toed shoes
Location
Princes Drive Recycling Centre, Princes Drive, Leamington Spa, CV31 3PH (01926) 426369