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Four youngsters on Total People’s Entry to Employment programme have successfully completed a volunteer placement run through the charity ‘V’.
V is an independent charity dedicated in helping young people find volunteering opportunities. Once on the programme, it requires young people to carry out a placement within their chosen industry for 50 hours over the course of 12 months.
Learners receive their certificates
Zoe Hall, Katie Lee, Richard Street and Ben Thomas have all enjoyed successful placements and were presented with their V Award certificate by a representative from the charity, Jenny Coombs. The group, some of whom have had to overcome difficulties and issues during their programme with Total People, worked in a range of industries including retail outlets, warehousing and construction.
The learners would attend sessions at Burford House where they would concentrate on team work skills as well as receiving guidance on interview techniques and C.V writing.
Katie Lee, who undertook a placement at Ethel Austin in Sandbach, recognises how her placement has enabled her to gain real work experience and has led her onto being employed: “It has really boosted by confidence,” says Katie. “I was given lots of responsibility during my placement and the manager of the store offered me a part time job which was great!”
Richard Street initially volunteered with a plumbing company for 6 months before moving on to another placement with the British Heart Foundation as a Warehouse Operative. “I enjoyed both placements as it gave me a different insight into the two industries,” says Richard. “The programme has helped me to develop my personal skills and interview techniques whilst also gaining some on the job experience which has helped me to decide my career path.”
Zoe Hall, who enjoyed her placement with Ethel Austin in Nantwich adds: “It’s a recognised award which I can put on my C.V and hopefully it will help me to gain job interviews.”
Since its launch in May 2006, V has worked with over 500 charities and community organisations to create over 900,000 youth volunteering opportunities nationwide. Volunteering continues to play a major role in helping young people to start and develop their careers. Many employers recognise that those people who undertake a voluntary placement are dedicated and committed individuals who are worthy of employment.
Total People’s Placement Adviser, Chris Austin, has been working with the youngsters throughout and has seen a positive change in their characters: “They have all shown excellent dedication and I have received really positive feedback from their managers whilst out on placement.”
