From corporate to construction: find out why multi-trader Mike Lok decided to do a painting and decorating course and what he did next to launch a handyman business and now a micro DIY school.
As a construction training school, at Able Skills we regularly get to share students' journeys with them as they progress through their course and onwards. Whether that's to support their career progression, help them change careers or provide them with skills to complete a DIY project at home.
When Mike Lok contacted us recently to let us know what he'd been up to since training at Able Skills, we were fascinated by his journey. Not only had he started a successful handyman business, but he's now launched his own micro DIY school.
Mike trained at Able Skills five years ago, completing the Hands-On Painting & Decorating course before he went on to start a successful handyman business. He closed the handyman business down recently and, in semi-retirement, he decided to start his own micro-DIY school. He runs two classes a month, hoping to inspire others into DIY or even to spark their interest in a new career in the trades.
Interview with Mike Lok
What course did you do at Able Skills and why?
After a long career in the corporate world, I decided to retrain to become a handyman or multi-trader as preferred. I only attended one course at Able Skills (Hands-On Painting & Decorating course).
But, I also completed the following courses elsewhere: Plumbing, Tiling, Plastering, Woodwork, Electrical Foundation, Airless Spraying, Airless Furniture Spraying, Masking, Paint Systems.
In 2020, I launched 'Mr Useful - Your Local Handyman and Multi-Trader' and ran that for 5 years.
While I was only doing it part-time, it was incredibly successful and I could have made it into a thriving full-time business, with a gross salary of £80k to £100k per annum. If you can do more than one job for a client while on site, you're highly valued, provided you can do it well!
This year, I closed that down and launched a new part-time business, Learn DIY: Micro DIY School in Stratford-upon-Avon. www.learndiy.co.uk
What were your first steps in starting a handyman business after completing the Hands-On Painting & Decorating course at Able Skills?
My first step was to set up all the business fundamentals. Business plan, goals, insurance, revenue and receipt tracking, organising trade discounts and acquiring basic tools to start with. I purchased and grew my capital assets as jobs got booked. Settled on the business name, website, social media presence and built a marketing plan to acquire customers.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently?
Spent more time researching and learning how to price up jobs accurately and efficiently, as well as build in some redundancy.
What did you enjoy most about working as a handyman?
The variety and flexibility of work, you are your own boss. I knew I didn't just want to do one thing, like painting or plumbing. As a multi-trader, one day you may be installing a kitchen tap, next installing panelling, next painting a hallway, next decking, next erecting flatpack furniture...
However, to be a successful multi-trader, you need to be honest with yourself and your abilities. It's lifelong learning, delivering quality work and treating your customers well. If you do that, you will never be short of work.
How big a part did your training play in getting you where you are today?
Knowledge is action. Without knowledge, you cannot deliver results. Simple as that, really, again, lifelong learning.
What gave you the idea to start your own DIY school?
While the handyman business was lucrative, being semi-retired, my main focus is enjoyment and personal satisfaction.
Being a handyman can be a very lonely existence; you get the initial 'hello' and occasional cuppa tea, but most of the day, you're working alone.
I came from a corporate background, surrounded by people, engaging, training and empowering them to do more. Lifting people up!
So, a year back, I started to think about how I could utilise all these skills I had gained and surround myself with people who want to learn them, hence Learn DIY was born.
What is the best or most surprising thing about teaching and helping others to learn DIY?
How many people out there don't know the difference between a hammer and a saw!
Ok, that's exaggerating, but on the whole, the people that come to my classes are total beginners, enthusiastic to learn and for the most part there for self-improvement.
What do you think holds people back from learning or having a go at DIY?
I think it's the fear of failure...
My DIY School is designed to help people overcome that. I focus on knowledge, preparation, practice and standard setting, which starts to build people's confidence. Simple as that.
If you could give three pieces of advice to an Able Skills student currently training to become a handyman, what would they be?
- Be an honest person, value yourself and treat people with respect.
- Deliver quality business management and quality work.
- Keep learning every day.
Multiskills Courses at Able Skills
Multiskills courses give you skills across a variety of trades. Learn tiling, carpentry, plumbing, bricklaying, plastering, and painting & decorating at Able Skills on our City & Guilds or AIMS certified training. View our Multiskills Courses.
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