Volunteering
Are you a youth worker or teaching assistant? Perhaps you're a retired tradesperson or just want to help out?
Whatever your experience, we'd love to have you on board as a volunteer. If you want to inspire people and make an impact through volunteering with us, email us at info@prestonvocationalcentre.co.uk
The benefits of volunteering with us are:
- Full induction and training – we provide specific training and support for each of our roles
- Insight into social housing
- Personal development opportunities
- Learn new skills – volunteering provides experience that can be used to secure employment or advance in your current role
- Coaching and mentoring – we provide individual support to all of our volunteers
- Volunteer uniform (where applicable)
- Opportunity to meet new friends
- Promotes positive mental and physical wellbeing
- Rewarding roles that make a real difference to the communities of Preston
- Regular peer support meetings
Volunteering gives you experience
Most employers want workers who have workplace experience. Volunteer experience shows employers that you can manage your time and complete your tasks. It also shows that you can get along with others and make a commitment. Your volunteer record can show an employer that you have the attitudes and skills they are looking for in a potential employee.
Volunteering helps you develop skills
Volunteering gives you a chance to build on skills you already have and learn new ones. For example, as a volunteer you might be able to use your second language or public speaking skills. You could also learn a new computer program or develop new customer service skills.
If you’re employed, you may want to look for volunteer opportunities that strengthen skills you have but are not currently using in your work. For example, if you work on your own in a parts warehouse, volunteering at a festival could help you maintain and improve your people skills.
Be realistic about your current skill level when you apply to volunteer. An organisation may need people whose skill level is more advanced than yours in the position you want. Seek opportunities to develop your skills so that you can later qualify for a more challenging position.
Volunteering expands your network
Your network is all the people you know and all the people they know. Volunteering gives you the chance to meet new people and expand your network. Keep a list of the contacts you make while volunteering. These include staff, board members, clients, other volunteers and suppliers. You never know who might help you and how.
Volunteering builds your confidence
Maintaining your confidence is especially important if you’ve been unemployed for a while. It also helps when you are discouraged in your search for a new job or career direction. Volunteering can help you feel active, useful and productive.
Volunteering helps you get to know yourself
Knowing your skills, accomplishments, interests and values is the foundation of career success. Volunteer experience can be a good way to learn more about yourself and your potential to grow and develop. It also gives you a chance to find out how other people view you and your strengths.
Volunteering is a win-win situation. By helping others, you have the opportunity to boost not only your career but also your own well-being. When you volunteer in a role that’s right for you, everybody comes out ahead.