Savvy young people using volunteering ‘to further career aspirations’

By The Press Association20th May 2016New To CareCareer Advice, New To Care, Volunteering, Young People / Youth Work, Youth Work

Young people are more likely to volunteer than other age groups, believing it develops their skills and career prospects, according to a new report.

A survey of 2,000 adults by Business in the Community found that half of those under the age of 24 did voluntary work, compared to fewer than a third of those aged between 25 and 34.

Around one in 10 said they had volunteered through their job.

Stephen Howard, chief executive of Business in the Community, said: “Businesses are being increasingly strategic about volunteering as a way to not only make a difference but also to build skills and gain insight about their communities.

“It’s clear from our poll that savvy young recruits are realising that simply giving back isn’t enough – instead they’re using volunteering to further their career aspirations and get ahead.

“Yet just 10% of people polled had volunteered in work time, highlighting a huge untapped opportunity for business to take employee volunteering seriously. Doing so will not only help attract the next generation of talent, but it will also create communities that are better places to live, work and do business in.”