Young volunteers earn qualifications and government awards (Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats)

Young volunteers earn qualifications and government awards

March 8, 2010 10:49 AM

• FIFTEEN young people from Richmond upon Thames have gained NVQs after completing voluntary work placements at Richmond Council. They were presented with their awards at a ceremony in central London, where they were also among the first ever to receive the Prime Minister's Award for National Civic Service, which recognises the contribution children and young people make to the community.

The volunteers, aged 16-25, worked in youth, sports and children's centres, in the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards team and in the Council's children's library service, over a 44 week period. They completed the NVQ training in either business administration, customer service or a Youth Work qualification, as well as undertaking in-house training and contributing to the services provided by the Council. The volunteers were part of a pilot scheme, called 'vtalent year', which was launched last year by v, The National Volunteers Service.

Cabinet Member for Education and Children's Services on Richmond Council, Cllr Malcolm Eady, said: "My congratulations go to all the volunteers. They have gained new skills and experience, as well as completing qualifications at the same time, which will boost their CVs. In fact I know a number of them have already gone on to get jobs. We aim to do as much as we can to help young people into employment. In addition to the v Talent scheme, The Council's Way to Work Team has found work placements, apprenticeships and voluntary roles for nearly 70 young people during the last year."

Maxine Sakim, 19, from Hampton, completed her placement at Whitton Sports and Fitness Centre; she said: "The placement was really helpful. I was part of team in charge of bookings and organising group visits, as well as doing my qualification at the same time. I'm now working at a nursery and am doing even more qualifications."

Terry Ryall of v, who co-presented at the graduation ceremony, commented: "Volunteering unleashes young peoples' talents, gives them a fantastic array of new skills and experience, whilst bringing invaluable new support to the local community. I hope that everyone will spread the word about these pioneering young volunteers."

To find out more about youth volunteering or work placements and apprenticeships contact Richmond Council's Way to Work Team on 020 8487 5383 or www.waytowork.org.uk

Richmond upon Thames Liberal Democrats: