From Volunteering To Paid Work
http://www.educationbuzz.net/articles/10073/1/From-Volunteering-To-Paid-Work/Page1.html
Stella Manson
The Army Cadet Force offers a range of Qualifications for cadets and adult volunteers to help develop leadership skills through the Cadet Vocational Qualifications Organisation (CVQO). For more information on voluntary work with the ACF visit http://www.armycadets.com By Stella Manson
Published on 01/19/2012
When most people think of the pathway to success they see university or climbing the career ladder through paid work as the two main options for them.
When most people think of the pathway to success they see university or climbing the career ladder through paid work as the two main options for them.
What most people don't realise is that by volunteering you can get the perfect combination of education and experience, with most volunteering work offering official qualifications and training while you work.
So, what is volunteer work? Put simply it's a job where you offer to help out without pay. Typically these kinds of roles can be found working for charities or local council groups. Many large businesses also offer voluntary internship opportunities which many people take in the hope that it will lead on to paid work eventually.
What kind of skills and qualifications can you get through volunteering?
Through volunteering you can gain a wealth of skills and knowledge that you couldn't learn at a university. For example, if you volunteer helping as an army cadet officer you'll gain the sports leaders UK level 2 award in Community Sports Leadership and the "HSE First Aid at work" award as well as gaining a wealth of other skills such as leadership and even public relations training.
If you wanted to gain some skills that are closely related to a specific job role then it's best to go for an internship at an organisation relating to your field.
After months of hands on experience you will have learned more than you realise about when a paid position arises you'll be top of the list of potential employees.
If you're unsure about the type of training you'd like then take the voluntary position that you believe gives you the most prospects at the end of it.
How long should you volunteer for?
This varies depending on the job. Some voluntary positions require you to work for a set period of time ranging from a few months to a few years, but in reality most employers will only ask you to work as many hours as you feel you can comfortably handle.
When you feel like you've learned sufficient skills from your voluntary position then it may be time to ask if you can move into a paid role within the company. If there isn't a paid role available then you need to consider your options - perhaps it's time put your new skills to use in a paid job. You don't have to leave your voluntary position altogether if you don't want to. You can still help out at weekends or evenings.
So, there's all the information you need. Now go and put that advice to good practice and find yourself some volunteering work - it might just give you that head start you need.
What most people don't realise is that by volunteering you can get the perfect combination of education and experience, with most volunteering work offering official qualifications and training while you work.
So, what is volunteer work? Put simply it's a job where you offer to help out without pay. Typically these kinds of roles can be found working for charities or local council groups. Many large businesses also offer voluntary internship opportunities which many people take in the hope that it will lead on to paid work eventually.
What kind of skills and qualifications can you get through volunteering?
Through volunteering you can gain a wealth of skills and knowledge that you couldn't learn at a university. For example, if you volunteer helping as an army cadet officer you'll gain the sports leaders UK level 2 award in Community Sports Leadership and the "HSE First Aid at work" award as well as gaining a wealth of other skills such as leadership and even public relations training.
If you wanted to gain some skills that are closely related to a specific job role then it's best to go for an internship at an organisation relating to your field.
After months of hands on experience you will have learned more than you realise about when a paid position arises you'll be top of the list of potential employees.
If you're unsure about the type of training you'd like then take the voluntary position that you believe gives you the most prospects at the end of it.
How long should you volunteer for?
This varies depending on the job. Some voluntary positions require you to work for a set period of time ranging from a few months to a few years, but in reality most employers will only ask you to work as many hours as you feel you can comfortably handle.
When you feel like you've learned sufficient skills from your voluntary position then it may be time to ask if you can move into a paid role within the company. If there isn't a paid role available then you need to consider your options - perhaps it's time put your new skills to use in a paid job. You don't have to leave your voluntary position altogether if you don't want to. You can still help out at weekends or evenings.
So, there's all the information you need. Now go and put that advice to good practice and find yourself some volunteering work - it might just give you that head start you need.