Volunteering Leads To Employment For Young Vale Resident
A YOUNG Vale of Glamorgan resident has landed his first job following working as a volunteer through Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS).
Jordan Ovenstone, of Sully, was advised to contact GVS as he had no prior work experience.
GVS is an independent charity, one that aims to ‘help improve the quality of life’ for communities by supporting volunteers. They provide information, advice and guidance on all aspects of volunteering.
Of his experiences in volunteering, Jordan said: “I started as a volunteer through GVS, and began working with Simon Jones, the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Disability Sports Wales Development Officer.
“I gained experience in several settings – from Jenner Park and Colcot Leisure Centre to Cadoxton Play Scheme and Tŷ Hafan Hospice. These varied experiences gave me responsibility, confidence, and the opportunity to work with children with special needs.
“Further to the volunteering, I was also able to do various training courses: Autistic Spectrum Disorder training, the Coaching Disabled Performers certificate and Team Leader in Sports.”
Jordan went on to highlight how supportive Simon Jones was, and how his confidence grew throughout his time as a volunteer. He added: “I would recommend volunteering to any young person, as it builds your CV and gives you experience in a working environment. Without this opportunity, I may not have gone on to work as a teaching assistant in various special schools in Penarth and Barry.”
Meanwhile, Simon Jones said: “Jordan is a prime example of how volunteering in your local community can help you gain a wide variety of skills; these always help when looking for employment.
“Jordan showed huge commitment by giving up his own time to help support local disability sport clubs on a regular basis. I’m glad the experiences Jordan gained helped him gain employment.”
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