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Volunteering helps give Kate's job prospects a boost:
 Kate Peacock, 25, from Lincolnshire, left university with a Sociology degree. After taking a job in sales she was keen to do something related to her degree and has been volunteering with CSV since June. She is currently helping to form links between younger and older people in the community at a project in Bedfordshire.
"When applying for jobs that interested me I found I needed more experience in the voluntary and public sector - a catch 22 situation: everyone is looking for experienced people and no one is willing to give you the chance to become experienced…I saw the advert for CSV in the newspaper and the rest is history.
"...a CV that bursts from the seams with the skills I have developed"
Becoming a full time volunteer has provided me with a wealth of insight into the voluntary and public sector. I have had a great opportunity to work with people from all professions: social services, the NHS, youth offending teams, volunteering agencies, charities, older people and young people. No one day has been the same and I feel that I have been given the chance to put a stamp on the work I have done and can without hesitation say that it’s been worth it. Throughout this time, CSV has given me all the encouragement, support and training that I have wanted and more besides.
Now I’m back applying for jobs within the social sector with renewed confidence and a CV that bursts from the seams with the skills I have developed. I feel as though I can talk quite happily about my achievements and about what I can bring to the table for potential employers."
CSV placement opens the door to a new career for Katie:
 Katie Mellersh, 19, from Oxfordshire, volunteered with CSV for 5 months at a homeless shelter in Blackburn.
"I first decided to apply to become a CSV volunteer after finishing my A-Levels. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life but I knew that I have always enjoyed being with people.
"I don't think I would have got this job if I hadn't volunteered, as it gave me the experience I needed to help the young people I work with now."
After my volunteering I realised how much I loved working with young people, as I felt I could relate to them and the situations they were in. I applied for a couple of jobs, one in supported housing for young people, and one in a drug and alcohol rehabilitation centre. I was offered an interview for both jobs, and was then offered the first job, which I accepted straight away.
Being a CSV volunteer gave me the chance to think about what I wanted to do with my life. I don't think I would have got this job if I hadn't volunteered, as it gave me the experience I needed to help the young people I work with now. It also gave me the confidence to be independent. I was nervous about moving out, as I now live in a flat by myself, but after living over 250 miles away from my parents and friends for five months, I knew I would be able to cope."
Could you be a CSV Full Time Volunteer this summer?
CSV recruits volunteers throughout the year but we are now particularly looking for volunteers who are able to start in June and July.
If you are aged between 16-35 and would be available to start this summer we would like to hear from you. Please click here to apply online or alternatively if you know someone who might be interested in volunteering please forward this email.
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CSV could help your career by helping you to...
 Gain general workplace skills such as problem solving, teamworking and negotiating skills
 Develop 'soft' skills employers value such as communication skills, organisational skills, problem solving and the ability to relate to a wide range of people
 Gain recognised practical experience for a wide range of careers including social work, healthcare and teaching
 Enhance your CV or applications to college and university courses
 Establish life skills through living independently and building new friendships with people from around the UK and other countries
Don't just take our word for it!
Here's what some of our former volunteers say:
"Being a CSV Full-Time Volunteer has meant that I can now apply for jobs I wouldn't have dreamed of previously"
Francesca Mussi
"My career path is directly connected to my CSV experience and I have drawn on it in my work"
Sheryl Burton
"The practical experience I had gained helped me with the personal statement and the interview questions for my MA in Social Work"
Ceri Owens
"Volunteering with CSV gave me the experience and perspective I needed to successfully apply for my social work course"
Anna Collins
"Being a CSV made me decide what I wanted to do"
Victoria Parr
"I met some amazing young people. I made lots of new friends and gained lots of experience. I learnt how to interact with people of different ages."
Jade Lewis. Jade went on to work at a residential school for autistic children
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For school leavers and graduates the job outlook this summer may look uncertain. With a high number of young people aged 16-24 out of work, competition for jobs this summer is likely to be fierce.