Volunteer Academy at De Montfort University looks for recruits
A service which helps people without jobs to find voluntary work is celebrating a successful first few months – and looking for new recruits.
The Volunteer Academy, which is based at Leicester's De Montfort University, was set up in March last year and now has about 500 registered volunteers.
-
It aims to get unemployed people experience in a vocation of their choice. Volunteers can choose anything from one-off events to longer placements.
The service's success stories so far include Richard Gardner, who had difficulty finding work after graduating with a masters degree in English from the University of Leicester.
"I did apply for jobs and would often get quite far along the interview process but would get pipped to the post by someone with more work experience," said Richard.
"My partner works in the same building as the agency and suggested that I went along."
"I had plenty of time on my hands so I decided to give it a go. Literally within two weeks I got a call back."
Richard found a placement as a receptionist with the Welfare and Education Centre at the University of Leicester for three days a week, and after three months found permanent employment. He is now an administrator for the Student Union.
"My only regret is that I didn't volunteer sooner," said Richard.
All of the placements are at companies in Leicestershire. Travel expenses are provided.
For more information on the academy, which is funded by the Working Neighbourhoods Fund and Leicester City Council, call 0116 257 6304, or visit:
www.volunteeracademy.com
2 Comments
by Martin Pold, Leicester
Saturday, May 22 2010, 11:07AM
“Hey!
I am very interested to start a JCI Local Organisation in Leicester, it will be non-profit organisation and all the people who wish to work for it will be 100% volunteers. So now I am looking for some advice how to find volunteers ages 18-40 to build up JCI Leicester.
JCI is a worldwide network of young active people in their twenties and thirties who organise and take part in a range of activities to improve their communities and develop themselves.
It could be running a fundraising project, going to black-tie dinners and nights out, attending international events, meeting friends or learning something new from world-class experts - JCI, standing for Junior Chamber International, has an infinite number of opportunities for those who want more out of life, both socially and professionally.
JCI United Kingdom is part of a global JCI network which has 200,000 members in 120 countries. We have branches or "chambers" in towns and cities in several parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We are also known as the Junior Chamber of Commerce and British Junior Chamber.
Membership brings many benefits, from international travel and events to developing skills that will put you ahead in the workplace. You could find yourself learning public speaking skills, picking up presentation and interview techniques or gaining marketing advice.
This is all done in regular get-togethers outside of work hours and you don't need to be professionally-qualified, or employed in a particular industry, to join - just a desire to meet like-minded people and have fun.
JCI supports the philosophy of "learning by doing", allowing members to reach their full potential. The variety of opportunities throughout JCI is huge - providing great value for your money.
Membership of JCI offers challenges which make your life more meaningful, worthwhile and personally rewarding, while developing deep friendships which can last a lifetime.
Best Regards,
Martin Pold
+44(0)7726779223”
by Pete, Leicester
Friday, January 08 2010, 10:56AM
“This sounds really good. It is great that something like this has been set up to help him. Best of luck for the future Richard!”