Form the Future seeks new volunteers to develop children’s career choices

Form the Future, a not-for-profit careers and employment company, has launched a campaign to recruit 300 volunteers by the end of the year who can support young people across Cambridgeshire as they navigate the wide range of options in employment locally.

As millions discovered during the pandemic, stepping up to help others is extremely fulfilling and comes with a host of surprising benefits that can improve mood, health and employability. A report by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations found that while most people sign up to volunteer for predominantly altruistic reasons, 90% felt a sense of achievement, 77% said the activity improved their mental health and wellbeing, and 89 % met new people.

Volunteering in Form the Future’s 2022 programme will provide a rewarding opportunity to improve careers awareness and employability for students across our region, whilst also supporting the volunteer with both personal and professional development.

Form the Future’s Relationship Manager, David Brockway, commented: “Volunteering is at the core of what we do at Form the Future. We have a huge task to prepare our future workforce for the wide range of career opportunities ahead of them. The pandemic has caused huge disruption to careers guidance provision in schools, so we now need to recruit the largest force of volunteers that we’ve ever had, from all parts of the Cambridge community – from retail to science, art to engineering.”

“We also provide full support to our volunteers which sees them develop and practice new skills which transfer into their working life.”

Form the Future’s volunteer programme welcomes people from all types and levels of employment; new volunteers would join the existing cohort, which includes:

Sharon Livermore, Director at Kameo Recruitment, who has been working with Form the Future for the past four years, said: “I am passionate about supporting the next generation. I have been an active [Form the Future] volunteer and encourage my team to use their knowledge to support the young community of Cambridgeshire. What I have subsequently realised is that volunteering also allows us to develop our skills in our day-to-day work.”

Henry Vickers, UK Software Director at the global fabless semiconductor company, MediaTek, commented: “Helping young people through education to employment is very rewarding. Getting involved with Form the Future also provides a unique opportunity to connect with others who share similar values.”

The race to 300 registrations for volunteers for 2022 will run until 14^th January 2022 and interested organisations or individuals should contact David Brockway at dbrockway@formthefuture.org.uk or register online at https://formthefuture.org.uk/volunteer/volunteer-with-us/.