Project Ready seeking Mentors
CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR PROJECT READY VOLUNTEER MENTOR POSITION DESCRIPTION
Did you know that South West Victoria, and Warrnambool in particular, has one of the highest rates of volunteer participation? With so many of our community activities reliant on volunteer workers, it’s no surprise that our community has stepped up and donated their time.
Recent years have proven a challenge for volunteer-involving organisations, as vulnerability to COVID for retirees, parents and other active volunteer groups has made some people more reluctant to engage in these activities, and led to shortages in some critical areas.
At the same time, we know that many volunteer-involving organisations have an interest in bringing more young people into their work, but don’t always know how and where to start.
South West LLEN is helping to overcome this barrier, now entering its second year of delivering Project Ready in South West Victoria.
Project Ready is a hands-on work readiness and personal development program developed by Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network.
Incorporating VET Certificate II in Active Volunteering, Project Ready is effective in re-engaging students in their education and helping them get ready for their future worlds of work.
Students participating in Project Ready undertake a community project, design thinking theory, teamwork, career planning, communication and diversity training, workplace health and safety, work placement, industry engagement activities, field trips, enterprise & entrepreneurial skills, wellbeing development and personal effectiveness.
In 2021, we’re partnering with South West TAFE and the Country Women’s Association to provide three Project Ready classes in Warrnambool and Colac for VET students. The class – delivered concurrently with VET classes, will introduce students not only to the theory of volunteering, but also to opportunities in their local community: from human services and environmental volunteering, to arts and events management.
Alongside qualified teaching staff, we’re also seeking experienced volunteers to guide and mentor young people in our classes on their journey to becoming the next generation of volunteers and leaders.
Project Ready Volunteer Mentors will be responsible for assisting and supporting the class Facilitator, connect with the students, support student wellbeing and learning engagement, assist with small group work as directed and help coach students through the Project Ready journey.
This is a volunteer opportunity with huge personal and community rewards: if you’re passionate about supporting young people and making our community a better place, this is the one for you!
To find out more about Project Ready or to register your interest in becoming a Volunteer Mentor, contact Heather Smillie: heather@swllen.org.au