Volunteering is an activity that involves spending time unpaid doing something that helps organisations, groups or individuals. Some things to consider are; choosing a cause or issue which means something to you, considering the skills you have to offer and the opportunities for you to learn something new, being realistic about your time commitments.

There are lots of benefits to volunteering. You can:

• Make a positive difference and benefit your community
• Gain valuable work experience
• Improve your own confidence, self esteem, and wellbeing 
• Develop new skills
• Meet new people
• Feel valued and part of a team

Don't forget to record your new transferable skills in the Skills Passport within your >log on | move on> learner account! 

An internship can give you the opportunity to work at a company, learn new skills and gain experience. Internships can be offered to school leavers, as well as graduates and the length of an internship can vary.

There are three different types of internships:

• Work Shadowing - interns follow one or more members of a team throughout their day-to-day routine, allowing them to learn from top industry professionals.

• Training Programmes - they act as a way for companies to assess candidates for future roles. These programmes also give candidates the opportunity to see if the company is right for them.

• Work Placements - are often part of a degree programme and are designed to give students a taste for working life in their chosen profession.

Are you interested in a virtual internship, why not check out the National Careers Website to find out more.