Calling all employers!

The great and the good of business and charities are all ‘Backing Young Britain’. Business in the Community, the Institute of Directors and the Confederation of British Industry, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Princes Trust are all backing the government’s campaign to get businesses to support young people through the recession. Employers across all sectors are being asked to offer work placements internships, apprenticeships and jobs as well as allowing staff to volunteer.

It is great that employers play their part in making sure young people are not left floundering during the recession. But are we missing a trick here? If reports from volunteering organisations are anything to go by (contrasting with recent Citizenship Survey findings), young people are turning to volunteering in increasing volumes. As well as helping communities, they are gaining an incredible amount of skills and experience while doing so. Employers can do more to make sure that experience is valued as much as work experience and internships.

When the recovery eventually starts and new jobs emerge young people need to be given the support and incentives to make the most of all that they give and gain through volunteering when they move into employment. Employers need to be more vocal about valuing volunteering experience so that young people make the link between volunteering and employability.

A survey commissioned by v earlier this year showed that almost half (49%) of employers felt that volunteering experience is relevant when considering a job application. But what about the other half? And does this translate into their recruitment practices? Employer recognition for volunteering will help young people to see even more of the knock-on benefits of spending time helping others while the economy has gone to pot.