Young people who want to gain experience, qualifications and training in work with children and other young people are invited to step forward for volunteering opportunities with Shropshire Council.
Places are available for the second year of the vTalent programme which aims to enhance the volunteering options open to 16 to 25-year-olds.
Shropshire Council was awarded £252,000 from ‘v’, the youth volunteering organisation in early 2009 to run the two year project. The first year is now coming to an end with the 15 young people recruited during February 2009 finishing their placements this month (February 2010).
Again 15 young people can take part in the second year, which will start in March 2010. The placements will be based within the council’s Children and Young People’s Services and will include schools, youth centres and Children’s Centres.
This year's volunteers, like the previous group, can gain valuable work experience, a relevant qualification connected with their placements and in turn, develop their confidence. They can also achieve first aid and food hygiene qualifications as well as complete a Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.
Councillor Aggie Caesar-Homden, Cabinet Member for Children and Young People’s Services said: "We are extremely proud of the first year’s recruits who have shown themselves to be very dedicated young people who have both contributed and achieved a lot during their placements. I hope that the new vTalent volunteers will find the experience just as rewarding.
"It is a great opportunity for them to bring their enthusiasm and ideas to the council and for them to develop skills, confidence, qualifications and experience which will help them progress into careers working with children and young people.”
The first group of young people coming to the end of their placements are currently being helped with their future plans. To assist with further volunteering, training or work opportunities, each of the volunteers is able to apply for a personal development grant of up to £1,500. Out of the 15 volunteers, five have already gained full-time employment and one has returned to full-time education.
To apply for a placement on the forthcoming scheme young people must be aged between 16 and 25, and be available to volunteer for 30 hours a week. Young people who are currently in full-time education or work are not eligible to apply.
The placements will start in March 2010 and will run until February 2011. The volunteers can claim expenses to be able to complete their volunteering. Again, each volunteer will be able to apply for a personal development grant at the end of their placement.
For more information on this and other volunteering schemes, please visit www.shropshireyouth.com where an application to be considered as a vTalent volunteer can be found. Alternatively contact Chris Perkins, Youth Volunteering Programme Manager on 01743 254520 or email chris.perkins@shropshire.gov.uk
Issued: 4 February 2010