I was unemployed for a long period of time so my advisor at the Job Centre recommended that I seek help from the Volunteer Centre.
Following my meeting with my advisor, I went to the Volunteer Centre and had a meeting with a volunteer coordinator. I explained my situation and we then agreed that in order to improve my chances of finding long-term employment I needed to gain office skills and work experience in order to boost my confidence and build my CV.
I was then advised to apply for a reception role at the Volunteer Centre, which I was offered after a successful interview. Before starting my placement, I was given a quick induction and trained to use the central database.
My role at reception involved meeting and greeting people, making telephone calls, registering new volunteers and doing other administrative tasks. Through the placement, I gained confidence, communication skills and administrative skills. I also improved my IT skills by helping design a database for one of VCKC’s projects.
In March I applied for a job in hospitality – and I got the job! I believe it is thanks to the help of the Volunteer Centre and the volunteering opportunity they gave me that I was able to find a paid job.
Want to find amazing volunteering roles? Check out our latest opportunities.
- Read more volunteering journeys here.
- Want to volunteer but not sure if it’s right for you? Take a look at our short video and see the benefits for yourself.
