Any manual labour job/volunteer positions?

[Amoeba]

Hi,

I'm not really looking for a specific position at the moment (well, I am but need more info), but rather I am wondering if people can give me advice and tell me if my ideas for work are realistic or not.

I'm looking for outdoor manual work. I have never had a job in my life, and I'm 20, so I'm worried about my future (and yes, I have been applying for literally hundreds of jobs of all kinds, but no interviews). I must admit though, the idea of sitting on my bum in an office or behind a checkout, or dealing with customers or stacking shelves is very daunting. I'd rather be doing some heavy duty physical work, if I am unable to get a job delivering mail.

Thing is, in the field of working with the environment and wildlife, are there any such jobs and if so, what are they? What are my chances of getting such jobs, being female and still working on physical strength and stamina?

[ron1863]

Have you tried the Forestry Commission, RSPB etc. You could try their volunteer schemes which would get you the experience that would stand you in good stead.

[Tursiops2]

Do you fancy getting into archaeology?

The scene is very different now compared to when I started as a £10 a week untrained volunteer in 1976 (much more professional, and much more competitive now; and the best jobs, as ever, go to graduates), but it still relies on the existence of a pool of casual labour, and practical experience, and willingness to work, can still count as much as academic qualifications.

I wouldn't recommend "digging" as a long-term career, but if you're fit, intelligent, and don't mind getting your hands dirty or living out of a rucsack, it's a great way of spending a couple of years "on the road" and can take you to some wonderful places (a month in the Hebrides was the high point of my "career" ).

Without experience, you'll probably have to start with unpaid voluntary work (I believe it's possible to go on training excavations to get some basic experience, but you have to pay for those), but once you're known to be a good worker, you should find there's paid work available.

I've been out of the scene for 10 years, so I can't give you any personal contacts, but places to start would be your local Museum or County Archaeological Unit, or the Council for British Archaeology Get Involved in Archaeology! | The Council for British Archaeology

HTH
T2

[seamusagleann]

might want to try this

Forestry Commission - Apprentice Forest Craftsperson

[Pippa]

Hi Amoeba,

If i were you i would do just about anything to get experience.The longer a person is out of work, the harder it gets to find work period.

You are obviously on the net google, google, google, is my advice.Write e-mails as they cost nowt.

What about your local animal rescue centres.?Would you like to help out there.I know a young lady who started out as a volunteer and now is paid to manage one of the centres near here.
My niece worked as a volunteer for a wetland reservation and she absolutely loved it and was offered a full time job.

Whatever you decide,i hope all goes well for you

[metalfish]

Hi Amoeba,

being a woman will definately not go against you, but finding outdoor/ practical work definatly will, but this is easily solved!
Google BTCV (British Trust for Conservation Volunteers) or Wildlife Trust and go to their 'volunteers' sections- this'll give you whats available in your area, BTCV also gives links to other good volunteering groups. You don't need any experience, just enthusiasm which you obviously have, clothes you don't mind getting mucky, some decent stout boots and your lunch.
Give it a go it is so worth it- if you don't like one group try another
If you're on the dole do tell them you are volunteering, but that you can stop when you get employment, and that you'll more likely get a job coz you are volunteering, they won't stop your money. Most volunteering places will give you that ever needed reference too.

If you love it you could go to college and do a City & Guilds course or equivalent in countryside management or tree surgery or whatever floats your boat

I did all this and totally loved it, good luck & don't stop.