Working as a volunteer can be unpaid work in a workplace; this is useful if you are unemployed and looking to get work experience, stay engaged and remain in the habit of working. This is also sometimes called an Internship.
Volunteering can also be for a charity or on a project of some kind. Volunteering projects are always looking for more people to help them out.
You can volunteer alongside education or training or it can be something you do full time or away from home. You can also do a range of different voluntary projects in different settings.
It can be something you do to gain experience while looking for employment or simply to add to your skills, for example, team working or communication.
Volunteering is suitable for all young people, regardless of ability; there are many different opportunities that can match your particular skills and interest.
What this option could do for you
Volunteering gives you the chance to make a difference to others or to your local community.
It can also give you the chance to break into an industry; this is important if you are unemployed and have little work experience, or if you’re newly qualified and need to show employers you also have relevant work experience.
Most volunteers gain confidence, new skills and experiences which will improve their employment prospects.
Volunteering can give you the edge at a college, university or job interview. Don’t forget to add any volunteering experiences to your CV.
What you need to do now
If you are interested in volunteering you need to think about what types of work would suit you best, for example, charity work, working with children, conservation work, or hospitality. Talking to others who have had volunteer experience is helpful and your school may be able to help there.
You need to decide if volunteering full time or part time suits you better in order to plan whether or not you will need to apply for something else as well. Researching the different options available will allow you to make a better choice.
If you need any extra help or advice
You can approach organisations direct or go through national volunteering organisations that support your application process.
- Vinspired is a volunteering charity who support young people in volunteering on local projects.
- Devon Voluntary Action (DeVA) is a locally based Devon wide CVS partnership building vibrant, healthy communities.
- Devon Connect advertise volunteering opportunities across Devon.
- Duke of Edinburgh Award Schemes are voluntary programmes of activity you can access in your spare time.
- You can also ask at your local youth centre about different opportunities.
- Throughout Devon, there are lots of volunteering opportunities in care and health. Find out more at Proud to Care.
Support you could get if you choose this option
Some of the larger organisations can help you source a project and there will be continued support while volunteering.
The work itself will be unpaid but some opportunities do provide food and lodgings and some expenses may be provided.
If you choose to volunteer with a national organisation which involves overseas work then you will probably have to raise funds yourself.