Celebrating our volunteers during Volunteer Week
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week, we’re shining a light on the people who give their time, energy and commitment to Giroscope’s projects and social enterprises.
People are at the heart of everything we do. That’s a message that has also been central to conversations during this year’s Humber Business Week, which has highlighted the importance of investing in people, skills and opportunity across our region.
It’s a timely discussion. The recently published Young People and Work Interim Report, led by Alan Milburn, highlights the growing challenge facing young people trying to access employment and gain valuable workplace experience. The report found that almost one million young people across the UK are not currently in education, employment or training, with many having never had a job despite wanting to work and develop their skills. The report argues that creating meaningful opportunities and pathways into work is essential if young people are to fulfil their potential.
At Giroscope, we see every day how volunteering can help address that challenge. By providing practical experience, support and the chance to develop confidence in a real working environment, volunteering can be a vital first step towards employment, further education and long-term career development.
Ruth’s Story
After volunteering with Giroscope for five months, Ruth secured employment with GiroTech.
My time at Giroscope has been great. I have really enjoyed learning new skills while being supported and my confidence has grown so much from when I first started. It has helped me get a routine back into my life and everyone has been warm and friendly towards me. I will miss it.”
More than just volunteering
Across the UK, employers increasingly value practical experience alongside qualifications. For many people, particularly those who have been out of work, changing careers, or looking for their first opportunity, volunteering can provide a vital bridge into employment.
Volunteering helps people develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, reliability and problem-solving, while also building confidence, routine and social connections. These are qualities that not only support employability but can have a lasting impact on long-term career prospects.
At Giroscope, we see these benefits every day.
So far this year, our volunteers have contributed more than 5,700 hours, gaining practical experience while helping deliver projects that make a real difference to local communities.
We design our volunteering opportunities to help people develop the skills, confidence and experience needed to move forward. We offer practical opportunities across a range of industries, including gardening, construction, cooking, maintenance, administration and community projects, supporting people to gain valuable workplace experience in a supportive environment.
Not forgetting our trustees, who also make a valuable contribution to the organisation as volunteers.
Wesley’s story
Wesley spent two months volunteering in the Garden Project before securing employment.
My favourite part of the garden project has been the plants and the people. I’ve found volunteering here extremely worthwhile.”
Creating opportunities, building futures
Finding employment can be challenging, particularly for those with limited prior work experience or those returning to work after a period away. For young people, opportunities to gain that first experience are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Volunteering can provide an important stepping stone.
Whether someone is exploring a new career path, rebuilding confidence after time out of work, or simply looking to develop new skills, volunteering offers practical experience that can open doors to future opportunities.
And it works.
Andy’s story
Andy has been a long-term volunteer in the cooking project and says the experience has transformed his confidence and relationship with food.
“I like the banter and helping other volunteers. I know more about food and cook at home now. Before, I hardly ate, and it was mainly processed food like pot noodles. I've learnt about hygiene, washing pots, and cleaning up after myself. I like the routine of it. I am proud of how far I have come.”
At Giroscope, we offer traineeships, paid work experience placements and volunteering opportunities, all designed to help people gain the skills, confidence and experience needed to move into employment.
Our practical opportunities span a range of industries and help people build the habits, knowledge and relationships that can demystify the workplace environment, particularly for those with limited previous experience. By providing hands-on opportunities in supportive settings, we help individuals understand what employers expect and develop the confidence to take their next steps.
The Milburn report highlighted that opportunities to gain meaningful workplace experience are becoming increasingly difficult to access. More employers are now looking for practical experience alongside qualifications, making it harder for young people seeking their first paid role to stand out in a competitive labour market.
For people who have been out of work for some time, volunteering can be particularly valuable. It helps rebuild routines, improve physical wellbeing, strengthen confidence and develop workplace skills, all of which can play an important role in preparing someone for employment.
Our bespoke employment support has helped people secure roles across a diverse range of industries, including accountancy, chef and multi-skilled apprenticeships, QA analyst positions, DWP advisor roles, production operative posts, event assistant positions, kitchen assistant roles, labouring and retail.
We also support people who are planning to progress into further or higher education, helping them gain relevant experience that strengthens applications and demonstrates commitment, initiative and practical skills.
Ieva’s story
Ieva explored several projects before volunteering and then securing employment with Sycamore Gardening.
I had the opportunity to be a volunteer in the construction and cooking programmes, learning amazing skills that will be useful in the future, cooking unbelievably delicious food, and most importantly meeting fantastic people. There was a time when I would never have imagined working as a gardener, and here I am, absolutely loving it! When you are given an opportunity, take it. You never know how that opportunity can change your life.
