Volunteering

There are many different reasons why you could consider volunteering. You may be weighing your career ideas and wondering how to make a decision. You may have already decided on your career path, and now are thinking about ways to build some experience to help you get a foot in the door. Or you may want to make a positive difference to your community and people’s lives. Whatever the reason – volunteering can offer lots of benefits to you and those around you:

  • Develop your Career Management Skills
  • Try out something new
  • Meet new people and grow your network
  • Help people and contribute to your community
  • It could give you a sense of achievement 
  • It helps to develop self-awareness, build your integrity and show your values 
  • Build experience and grow your confidence
  • Develop transferable skills – it’ll look great on your CV and help you stand out from the crowd when applying for work, college or university place
  • A good source of references you could use when applying for work
  • Time commitment may be flexible 

For more on benefits of volunteering check My World of Work here

If you think you would like try it out , there are vacancies available locally and further afield. Check out the links below to learn more and sign up for opportunities:

Volunteering for NHS:

The minimum requirements  for volunteering with NHS Lothian are:
  •          Over 16  
  •          Willing to commit a minimum of 2 hours/week for  6 months.

Strive – find volunteering in East Lothian. STRIVE

Volunteer Edinburgh  – opportunities in Edinburgh

Project Scotland  – volunteering for 16 – 30 year olds

Gap Year: You may have heard about a gap year, or you may be thinking about a year out after school.  Taking a gap year is just as an important decision as it is to decide on your other options. This is because a gap year should be a time you spend constructively and effectively so that when you decide to go to work or return to education – you come with valuable experience, skills, with confidence and  a better self-awareness. There are many benefits of taking  a gap year, but it won’t suit everyone. So before you leave school, gather as much information as possible to make an informed decision. A good place to start is here on My World of Work