Volunteer Engineers needed in Jamaica

Volunteer Engineer working in Jamaica

This volunteer construction project provides new housing and sanitation for poor communities near Mandeville, Jamaica.

The project runs in conjunction with a local church group. They seek out areas of deprivation and organise building work. People in these areas may have been the victims of natural disasters or extreme poverty.

This project is perfect for anyone considering voluntary work abroad or engineers on a career break.

Here you will find answers to the following questions:

How can volunteer engineers help in Jamaica?

What will I gain from this project?

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

What skills or qualifications do I need?

How do I apply to join this project?

How can volunteer engineers help in Jamaica?

As a volunteer engineer you can use your knowledge and training to help local builders. You can work on tasks such as:

• Helping a team of local workers decide what new buildings are needed.
• Physically helping local builders and volunteers construct the new buildings.
• Supervising activities such as plastering, roofing or painting, depending on your area of expertise.
• Develop simple maintenance manuals that the community will use as a guide to take care of the new buildings.

The projects runs in conjunction with an organization called The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). They search out deprivation, social injustice, and need – and then work to eliminate them. ADRA invests in the potential of individuals through advocacy, supporting families, promoting health, providing food and water and responding to emergencies.

Volunteers on this project work from early in the mornings, Monday to Friday, in order to avoid the post-midday heat. Day to day work will vary, depending on the current stage of design and construction.

The project also needs anyone with skills and experience in areas such as carpentry, masonry and painting.

This project runs all year round so you can join at any time. You decide how much time you can spare and we will help you get the most out of it.

What will I gain from this project?

This voluntary work abroad will allow you to gain experience of the building methods used in the developing world. You will be challenged by working in an environment with limited resources. You will also work alongside local professionals who will want to share ideas and come up with new solutions to problems. This can be an extremely valuable experience and learning tool.

You will spend time in local communities, learning about a new culture and way of life. Jamaicans will want to hear about your life back home and your family and friends. We call this ‘cultural exchange’ and we think it helps our volunteers gain a new perspective on life.

What will Projects Abroad PRO provide?

Volunteer Engineer working

We have over 20 years’ experience of running volunteer projects. We provide you with the following support to make sure your time in Jamaica is successful and enjoyable:

• Safe accommodation with a Jamaican family close to your project.
• Friendly and dedicated local staff available to help 24 hours a day.
• A member of staff to meet you at the airport when you arrive.
• Comprehensive medical and travel insurance.
• Social events with other volunteers such as reggae dance classes and patois lessons.

What skills or qualifications do I need?

If you can demonstrate that you have experience in the engineering or construction industry then you are perfectly suited to this project. We are particularly looking for volunteers who have an industry membership with an organisation such as the Institution of Civil Engineers (or equivalent in your industry and country).

Please note, we are also looking for volunteers with experience of carpentry, masonry or painting.

Please contact us if you think your knowledge may be useful on this project but do not have the required qualifications.