Is Volunteering the Answer? Insights from Volunteers’ Week 2016

The Growing Challenges for Young People

In today’s competitive job market, many young people find themselves dreaming of fulfilling careers, attending university, and owning a home—dreams that often seem out of reach. A recent survey conducted to mark the close of Volunteers’ Week 2016 highlights these challenges, revealing that three-quarters of individuals aged 16-25 feel that achieving their ideal career is merely a fantasy. This survey, encompassing 1,500 participants, indicates that 80% fear competing against stronger candidates with more impressive CVs and experience.

Volunteering as a Pathway to Employment

Despite these challenges, volunteering emerges as a beacon of hope. A striking 77% of young people surveyed either currently engage in volunteer work or are considering it, believing that it enhances employability. This aligns with the core mission of Vinspired, which offers varied opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills through volunteering.

Overcoming Financial Barriers

The survey also sheds light on financial concerns, with 87% of respondents acknowledging that the high cost of education impedes their job prospects. However, volunteering presents creative solutions. For instance, two-thirds of respondents noted that volunteering could inspire them to pursue unexpected career paths, with 80% affirming that volunteering imparts skills that formal education may not cover.

The Value of Volunteering

Encouragingly, the value of volunteering is increasingly recognized by both government and the sector. Initiatives such as the NCS and discussions about an American-style service year underscore this trend. Volunteers’ Week 2016 serves as a testament to the growing acknowledgment of volunteering’s impact on employability and community integration.

Empowering Young People Through Vinspired

Jessica Taplin, CEO of Vinspired, emphasizes that volunteering equips young people with essential skills like confidence, problem-solving, and communication, which enhance employability and well-being. Through programs like the Vinspired Exchange and the Task Squad, Vinspired connects young people with volunteering opportunities and helps them transition into paid work.

Conclusion

As financial and career challenges persist, Vinspired continues to play a crucial role in demonstrating the positive impact of volunteering, not only in increasing employability but also in fostering community integration. Young people are increasingly recognizing the value of volunteering, making it a viable path towards achieving their career goals.

For more insights and opportunities, explore the Volunteers’ Week 2016 - Is volunteering the answer? article.