Up against people with years of experience and further education, it can be hard to stand out and land a job you are passionate about as a young person. Whether you want to gain experience, build skills, or simply gain inspiration for the future, one of these opportunities might be just what you need to get your foot in the door!
These five opportunities are either funded (fully or partially) or volunteer initiatives, specifically for young people in the UK.
1. Become an #iwill Champion
#iwill Champions are young people who want to make a positive difference in their communities, and wider society, through social action. Connect with other young leaders to shape change at a local or national level. Be an active voice in your community, address local priorities, and share your social action story. Help to grow the #iwill movement impact by building a society that understands and champions the Power of Youth.
Age: 10-25
Cost: Free (Volunteering)
Skills: Leadership, Communication, Activism
How: For more information, visit: https://www.iwill.org.uk/join-iwill/become-an-iwill-champion/
2. Complete the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Award
The DofE programme has three award levels (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) which are widely recognised by colleges, universities, and employers. They involve helping the community/environment, becoming fitter and healthier, developing new skills, planning, training for and completing an expedition and, for Gold only, working with a team on a residential activity. It’s all about setting personal challenges and pushing personal boundaries.
Age: 14-24
Cost: £28 (Bronze or Silver); £35 (Gold)
Skills: Resilience, Problem-solving, Teamworking
How: For more information, visit https://www.dofe.org/
3. Become an NHS Cadet
The NHS Cadets mission is to attract, develop and prepare young people to enter and be able to sustain themselves in health volunteering opportunities. During this programme, you will learn practical skills for a future in healthcare, and explore the different roles within the NHS. The 11-month programme consists of two pathways: Foundation (for 14–16 year olds) and Advanced (for 16–18 year olds).
Age: 14-18 (up to 25 for young people with a disability and/or special educational needs)
Cost: Free
Skills: Healthcare, Leadership, Teamworking
How: For more information, visit: https://www.sja.org.uk/get-involved/young-people/nhs-cadets-home/
4. Take part in National Citizen Service (NCS)
Calling all the adventurers, aspiring entrepreneurs, and those looking to make a change in the world. Are you up for stepping outside your comfort zone, and spending five days away from home with other young people learning new skills? The experiences are focused on one of three themes: employability (‘Boss It’), life skills (‘Live It’), or social action (‘Change It’). They are taking place all over the country!
Age: 15-17
Cost: £95 (that’s just 6% of the cost! The rest is funded). Bursaries are available, so if eligible, you may be able to go on an experience with nothing to pay. NCS also has local and online opportunities which are free of charge.
Skills: Teamworking, Confidence, Problem-Solving
How: For more information, visit: https://wearencs.com/
5. Become an Ormiston Trust Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Member
The Ormiston Trust is a grant-making charity that believe in a future where all young people can reach their full potential. To help us achieve this mission, we have a team of dedicated young people who make up our Youth Advisory Council. Youth Council Meetings run online 6 times a year to ensure that youth voice is embedded throughout our organisational strategy, and decision-making for the delivery of our #WeWill Youth Social Action Programme.
Age: 14-19
Cost: Free (Volunteering) with reward scheme
Skills: Confidence, Communication, Leadership
How: For more information, email our Youth Engagement Lead, Tom Barker, at tombarker@ormistontrust.co.uk. Meet our current team at: https://wewillormiston.co.uk/staff/about-us/meet-the-family/youth-advisory-council/
Alternatively, check the links below to search for more great opportunities yourself…
· Do-it (The largest UK volunteering database): https://www.doit.life/volunteer
· Red Cross (The largest humanitarian organisation in the world): https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/opportunities-for-young-people
So what are you waiting for? Take the leap today!
- Published:31 October 2024
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