CHRISTMAS is about giving to others – and giving time as a volunteer can also reap rewards for your own career.
Studies from the Royal Voluntary Service have found that 20 per cent of volunteers in their thirties, and 17 per cent in their forties, have offered their services in order to retrain or gain experience for a career change.
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Around a fifth of firms now offer paid volunteer days for staff, and a report from charity specialist Pilotlight found employees volunteering for just one hour a week could generate up to £17billion for UK charities.
Some companies even reward staff who volunteer outside of work time.
One of the biggest volunteer recognition schemes is Amazon Stars, established in 2020 to recognise staff who supported others during the pandemic.
Amazon staff nominate colleagues who have gone the extra mile, and each winner receives a personalised “Dream Box” prize plus £2,000 for their preferred charity.
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This year’s Amazon Stars include animal lover Ann Towse, from Lincoln, who has supported Orangutan Appeal UK.
The 38-year-old helped raise almost £50,000 for the charity, which works alongside Borneo-based Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
She said: “Being a liaison officer for Orangutan Appeal UK has been a great privilege.
“It involves no hands-on contact with the orangutans, but instead focuses on promoting awareness of the orangutan plight by engaging with and educating visitors at Sepilok.
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“I’m honoured to have played a vital part in seeing orangutans adopted by people all over the world.”
KIND DAN IS CHARITY CHAMPION
FORMER Royal Navy officer Dan Marsden is another Amazon Star.
He devotes his time to fundraising for several charities, including Tommy’s, which funds research into baby loss and provides support.
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Dan, 35, from the Wirral, Merseyside, said: “Unfortunately, my wife and I have struggled to conceive.
“When I left the Royal Navy, we got pregnant for the first time, and sadly the pregnancy ended in a miscarriage.
“I joined Amazon shortly after that and I wanted to do something to help other people in the same situation.”
Dan has also raised thousands of pounds for good causes, including The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and The Trussell Trust, through sponsored walks, the Three Peaks Challenge and climbing Mount Snowdon.
HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Jobspot
BUSINESS management consultants Willis Towers Watson have opened applications for their apprenticeship scheme.
See careers.wtwco.com/early-careers/apprenticeships.
TAKE OUR TIPS FOR TWIXTMAS
ARE you ready to log off tonight for the holiday season?
Or are you one of the three in five people expected to work between Christmas and New Year?
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Rachael Rothwell of digital agency JBH, shares her tips for making the most of the “Twixtmas” period in the office.
- OVERHAUL YOUR INBOX: Address any unread emails and reduce your inbox to as close to zero as possible. Unsubscribe from any unwanted newsletters, websites or marketing emails.
- CLEAR OUT FOLDERS: Go through your downloads and digital files and delete any you no longer need. File those you keep in an orderly system.
- UPDATE TOOLS: Use the quiet period to assess which paid-for systems are still working well and cancel those that aren’t
- PLAN 2024 OBJECTIVES: Consider how to take control of your career so that you are working proactively rather than reactively.
- FOCUS ON WORKPLACE WELLBEING: Plan out any requests for switching to a hybrid or remote-based role, or for shifting your hours around to benefit from a more flexible work/life balance.
- GET TO KNOW YOUR CO-WORKERS BETTER: Bond with your colleagues by spending breaks together discussing interests outside of the workplace.
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TEE off a new career with England Golf.
Applications are open for Community Gold instructors at englandgolf.org/community-golf-instructor.
ELF ON THE WEALTH
SANTA’S industrious elves would earn an annual salary of £94,348 in the real world, a new report reveals.
The festive study from the Skills Training Group estimates that the helpers work an 18-hour day, year round, and fulfil multiple roles in the North Pole workshop.
Tasks in their job description include toy designing, which would command £24.61 an hour, while a reindeer stablehand would get £10.01.
A spokeswoman said: “Christmas elves are remarkable employees who embody the spirit of dedication. They are renowned for their work ethic and multi-tasking, fuelled mostly by candy and sugary treats.”
FOREST GUMPTION
ENJOY tending to your Christmas tree? Then how about working with trees all year round?
The Forestry Commission has opened applications for its professional forester apprenticeship.
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The three-year course offers a degree-level qualification and is open to school leavers, graduates and anyone looking for a change of career direction.
Forestry Commission chief executive Richard Stanford said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to earn as you learn.
“I encourage anyone interested to apply today to make a difference to our trees and woodlands for generations to come.”
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Applications must be in by February 18.
More information at tinyurl.com/mrxhnhsk.
