Volunteers Boost their Job Prospects

05 February 2010

A volunteering centre in Birmingham is offering people a chance to boost their employability at a time when the job market remains uncertain.

Birmingham Voluntary Service Centre (BVSC), based in Digbeth, wants people to improve their skills by volunteering with local charities.

In the past year, the centre has seen a 70% increase in enquiries from employed people who are keen to get involved with volunteering to improve their skills.

One person who has already seen her career prospects improve is Katherine Brown. Katherine, 27, a mental health practitioner from Kings Heath, was working with adults with mental health issues, but wanted to work with young people.

She said: "I enjoyed my job, but I wanted to work with a younger age group, those who haven't already been in the system for ages with whom you can make most impact.

"My problem was that I didn't have any experience of working with children or young people. It was my sister who suggested that I volunteered for Cornerstone, a charity which helps to care for vulnerable people.

"I started volunteering for Cornerstone in autumn 2008, teaching cooking skills to youngsters between the ages of 16 and 25 who needed support.

"I really enjoyed this position and learnt how to engage with this age group. I went from a position when sometimes none of the youngsters would turn up for my sessions, to the young people waiting for me to arrive."

As a result of the improved skills she gained from volunteering, Katherine was able to find the kind of job she wanted.

She now works for Birmingham support service Stepping Stones/Spurgeons, helping children aged five to 13 who have emotional and behavioural difficulties.

"I now work one-to-one with children to build their self-esteem and help give them coping techniques, as well as meeting with their parents and providing entire family support," she said.

"I get so much satisfaction from my job and I'm sure that I would not have had this opportunity had I not volunteered. My advice to anyone who is looking to change careers is to see how volunteering can help you."

Tracey O'Brien, BVSC director of policy and programmes, said: "Volunteering can open many doors for people in the employment market, whether it is by helping them learn new skills, boosting their self-confidence or widening their contacts and networking circles.

"Actively supporting not-for-profit organisations can also impress potential employers by showing drive and experience."

Jerry Blackett, chief executive of Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, which represents businesses in the city, confirmed that employers are keen to see voluntary experience.

He said: "Employers generally welcome evidence of volunteering in CVs. It often demonstrates a desire to achieve, and at a time when the jobs market is tight, volunteers can stand out from the crowd."