Natural Building Skillbuilder in Community

So you want to build? You’re thinking cob or straw bale, want to know more about plasters and what to do about a roof?… and a foundation? ….looking for training and a chance to get your hands into it?

Course Outline

This is an intensive four-week residential program for those who like to immerse themselves in community life as well as learning Natural Building. O.U.R. Ecovillage will be your home for these four weeks, participate not only in the Natural Building Programme but also community building aspects such as The Way of Council and group process work.

What is it like to live on site?

Our site has support facilities for campers: solar showers, composting toilets, washing station. You will need to bring your own comfortable tent and sleeping gear, as well as any items that make you feel at home outdoors. There are hangout areas, especially the Chillage where you will be able to use your laptop on our wireless network.

As a temporary member of this community students share in our care schedule chores: spend time in the kitchen, clean up jobs like dishes, bathrooms and facilities, preparing space for events etc. Evenings are open for presentations, movies, discussions and other voluntary activities.

Who can be a skillbuilder? What are the benefits of this program?

First let’s be clear: building work requires that you are reasonably fit, and generally handy.

If you already have conventional construction skills: great! You will be able to include this in your work with competence. If you’re a new builder that’s great too: you will be able to decide where to deepen your learning following this course and be able to develop your continuing learning path. The skills practiced here are useful tools for decision making and being an owner builder if building your own home is your goal. All participants will make meaningful network connections as we work with different teachers.

Who will I be working with?

You will have the chance to work with many professional Natural Skillbuilders who will each bring their own style and skills to the course. In addition to the instructors, each student brings their own palate of knowledge, which as a team, you will have the opportunity to learn from.

The Natural Building Passport: towards certification

Our natural building students receive this passport as a first step to documenting their learning path. It is intended as a tool: for the student keep record of courses and projects, for teachers and supervisors to write recommendation and reports, for employers to check background.
The Natural Building Network recommends that young builders work with different teachers and organizations to complete their apprenticeship. This is a contribution to that goal.

Sounds great! What’s the cost?

Program fees are $2900 CAD plus $100 application fee. Included are:

• A full program of hands-on learning and community experience
• The opportunity to work and learn with various teachers
• An inspiring learning environment
• Camping accommodations
• Three local, non-gmo, free range and organic meals per day
• Lots of future connections
• Your own Natural Building Passport

Ready to apply? Here’s what to do:

• Please fill out our Natural Building Questionnaire
• Write a one page vision statement for your participation in the program. What motivates you? What are your goals? What has you interested in this particular program?
• Include a resume with references.
• After we receive your application, you will then be invited to a phone interview. These interviews take place during February-April 2012.