Employability Support Volunteering Role

We are a national charity helping people find lasting and good employment. Volunteers get directly involved by giving people the time and support they need to build a brighter future.

As an Employability Support Volunteer, you will provide valuable help by sharing your skills and experience with Shaw Trust’s participants while they are receiving support from one of our programmes.

You will help participants build their confidence, motivation, and self-esteem through increasing their skills in employability-related activities. From sharing CV writing techniques to supporting them while they are in employment, you will assist the frontline colleagues throughout the participant’s journey.

This role could include:

• Supporting participants to improve their CV and cover letters and sharing how to tailor these to job specifications.
• Offering guidance with applications and supporting statements to supplement their CV.
• Identifying someone’s transferable skills and how to make the most of these in job applications.
• Developing the participants’ online presence and personal branding using websites like LinkedIn.
• Supporting job searches including exploring the hidden job market.
• Conducting mock interviews and helping participants prepare through quality feedback.
• Maintaining support when participants start a new job.

Your Skills and Attributes:

• Understanding of employability sector and skills needed to gain employment.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• Have an empathetic approach.
• Adaptable to meet the needs of a wide range of participants.
• IT skills including familiarity with Microsoft Office software.
• Ability to facilitate group sessions.
• Confident acting independently and providing remote support.
• Able to volunteer as part of an extended team.
• Understanding of data protection and GDPR.
• Awareness of barriers faced by participants who have faced disadvantages such as disabilities, care leavers and ill mental health.

What's in it for you:

• Put your skills and expertise to good use and get experience supporting a wide range of people.
• You will enhance your mentoring expertise and gain valuable insights through your interactions with diverse individuals.
• Out of pocket expenses will be covered and we offer a wide range of optional training and support.

What we are asking for:

• Most volunteers give an hour or two each week, depending on your availability.
• We will need to carry out an enhanced DBS check on you. It won't cost you a penny.

Tempted? Click Apply now.

Join a diverse and inclusive organisation

Shaw Trust began as a small organisation supporting disabled people into employment. Our commitment to creating a more equitable, fairer society runs deep. Being a welcoming organisation is key to that.