Certificate 1 in Active Volunteering
By Belle Hann
The Certificate 1 in Active Volunteering is a nationally accredited course designed especially for volunteers. This certificate is a great opportunity for both new and experienced volunteers to get the most out of their volunteering experience.
Designed to address the needs of not-for-profit organisations, the course provides training in basic work skills and ensures that volunteers are competent to become effective members of volunteer teams. The School of Volunteer Management (SVM) has developed this course through identifying the skills of volunteers at The Centre for Volunteering. As Gwenda Lawther, Head of SVM, said: "Many skills required in the workplace are generic regardless of the volunteer role or the work role. We focus on these generic skills and give students a framework from which they can move forward and apply to their specific roles."
Is the Certificate in Active Volunteering for me?
Any individual committed to volunteering will find this course invaluable. New volunteers will start their volunteer roles with effective skills and self confidence. Experienced volunteers can update their skills and consolidate knowledge gained in the field. Gwenda said: "There is something for everyone."
Experienced volunteers may also benefit from the School's Recognition of Prior Learning policy (RPL) that assesses a candidate's previous training and experience to count towards certification.
What will I learn?
"It's all practical skills," Gwenda said. "The certificate teaches volunteers how to utilise these skills in their roles with organisations." Below are the learning outcomes:
- Organising your work routine efficiently and performing routine tasks according to clear direction.
- Understanding and following occupational health and safety procedures thus engaging in safe work practices.
- Interacting appropriately with clients.
- Understanding the principles of volunteering and your rights and responsibilities.
- Understanding an organisation's mission and how you might contribute as a volunteer.
These skills can be applied to many volunteer settings and might also help you achieve career and education goals. According to Gwenda, many volunteers will use this initial training as a pathway to further vocational training as the course links to a range of qualifications in community welfare, business services, sport and recreation in the National Training System. For those seeking to re-enter the workforce and for new migrants, the combination of volunteer experience and training is a valuable way of assimilating into the Australian workforce.
How do I find out more?
- Arrange an appointment with the training officer in the organisation where you are currently volunteering to discuss your training needs.
- Phone the School of Volunteer Management on 02 9261 3600, email info@svm.net.au or download the Recognition of Prior Learning form.
If you are not already volunteering, phone The Centre for Volunteering's Volunteer Referral Service on (02) 9262 3600 to arrange a volunteer placement.
The Centre
for Volunteering [ABN 28 002 416 024]
Level 2, 228 Pitt Street, Sydney NSW 2000
T: 02 9261 3600 | F: 02 9261 4033 | E: info@volunteering.com.au
www.volunteering.com.au