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Missed out on a university place? Think about volunteering with CSV!
 With both A-Level and Highers results just out and with applications for university entrance reaching record levels, many thousands of would-be students may be left without a place at university this year.
If you have just had your A-Level or Highers results and find yourself without a place and taking an unexpected gap year you might like to consider volunteering with CSV as another option. Full Time Volunteers with CSV can enjoy an entirely free gap year in the UK whilst gaining valuable experience and skills. Types of opportunities include supporting adults or children with physical disabilities or learning disabilities, mentoring young people at risk of offending or exclusion from education, or helping those who are homeless.
CSV has been organising Full Time Volunteering throughout the UK for almost 50 years. Volunteers are not required to have any previous experience or qualifications just energy, enthusiasm and commitment. Staying in the UK doesn't mean missing out on an international experience either as CSV works with international partners to host volunteers from other countries such as Germany, Korea, Colombia and the USA.
Every year hundreds of people decide to take a gap year with CSV and below we hear from one:
Dominica Cole, 19, from Luton was planning on starting her degree in Medicine straight after her A-Levels, however she was forced to take a break after missing her offer. Dominica was determined to make a break from education work for her by spending the valuable time building up her experience, so she decided to volunteer with CSV...
“At first I was worried when I missed my offer but I had actually been feeling quite unprepared for university. I looked ahead to the year out of education and decided to fill it with new experiences and any training which could boost my CV. I’d not lived away from home before, so moving to a different town was daunting but it was soon fun and exciting! I was placed at Huddersfield University to provide support, along with two other volunteers, for a student with Cerebral Palsy. The university offered us free training in youth issues, skills for work and management which I was really pleased with.
People have commented on how impressive and diverse my CV is for my age, and I’m really proud of that. I’ve found employers to be very encouraged by my volunteering experience. I was offered a job I was quite under qualified for because I was able to demonstrate my maturity and confidence at interview and had experience in the workplace. I’m now working in Customer Services to get some money together before I start University in September but have continued volunteering where I can, especially where it can help my future career.
I would recommend volunteering to all A-Level students. People notice I volunteer and then remember me; it really makes my applications stand out from others. There are few opportunities to take time out of formal work and education and my gap year has given me skills and experience to prepare me for my next step. I feel much more confident, mature and ready for my degree course. I’ve lived away from home, made new friends and really thrived this past year and can now look forward to concentrating on my degree.”
Want to know more about taking a gap year with CSV?
If you would like to more about becoming a CSV Full Time Volunteer you can call our recruitment team free on 0800 374 991 or visit our website for more information and to apply online.
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Volunteers who filled the gap with CSV...
 Victoria Clarke, from Northampton, was 19 when she volunteered with CSV before going onto university.
Victoria said "I undertook a six month placement with CSV supporting people with learning difficulties, epilepsy and autism. It was a real eye opener and hugely rewarding experience. When I left, I applied to do a degree in Education and Disability. I carried on volunteering at university and afterwards secured a job working as a PA for the Arts Manager at a disability charity.
The volunteering I did showed I had the commitment and initiative and made me confident in working around people with disabilities which gave me an edge when applying for jobs. It was also essential in building up my self esteem and finding a focus in my life when I needed it."
 Sarah Hellawell, 22, from Yorkshire is a CSV Full Time Volunteer in Ilford, Essex. After studying a degree in Social Sciences she decided to get some practical experience through volunteering with CSV before starting employment.
Sarah said, "I applied for some jobs after University but did not have the relevant field experience I needed and could only get roles I wasn't really interested in. A friend who had volunteered after college suggested I do the same to make better use of my time and I haven't looked back! I've been supporting four adults with learning difficulties for eight months as a full time volunteer.
The experience has been invaluable and has led to me being offered a job at Mencap. I'm thrilled to be starting a job in an area I'm passionate about. I'm really glad I volunteered and got the chance to meet so many people. I'll certainly be drawing on my experience in my new role."
Have you taken a gap year with CSV?
If you have taken a gap year as a CSV Full Time Volunteer and have a story to tell about your experience that you would be happy to share in a future newsletter we would love to hear from you. Please click here to contact us.
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Contact us...
 click here to email us
csv.org.uk/ftvol
 0800 374 991
Please quote "BTNAUG"
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