WCVA’s Explore Internship programme

Catherine Stephens-Ward, Internship Programme Co-ordinator cstephens-ward@wcva.org.uk

• Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA), is the umbrella body for the Third Sector in Wales, supporting and advising charitable organisations.

• Established Explore voluntary Internship Programme in 2011.

• Funded by the Big Lottery until 2014.• A Pan Wales programme.

Introduction

• Providing quality, flexible work placements, to bridge the gap between academia and work and a response to rising unemployment.

• Showcasing the Third Sector as a challenging and rewarding careers choice.

• Developing Third Sector organisations with input of new ideas and expertise, leading to improved local economy.

Aims of the Programme

Structured, project-based voluntary placements

Short-term and part-time with flexible commitment

Opportunity to take ownership of a project

Graduate level

Accessible to all

What is an Explore Internship?

How the programme worksCreate Internship-

Responding to needs of

Charity/University Advertise through

catalogue,

websites, network,

social media Facilitate open application

process. Empower applicants.

Provide support,

a reference and

enable reflection

Offering a wide range of InternshipsBusiness Finance &

Fundraising Environment ICT

MediaMarketing,

Communications & Events

Social Care & Education

Research, Publishing & Journalism

Human Resources

Examples of InternshipsBusiness Feasibility Study, Business planning, Database Development, Graphic Design, Promotional Film producer, Photography, Event Organisation, Social Media review, public art trail development, Education Assistant, Facilitating training sessions, Archiving, Policy review, Evaluation & Monitoring, Community Engagement Research, writing case studies, newsletter publishing, volunteer recruitment review, HR benchmarking project, PC Game developer

Apply and develop skills & demonstrate competencies

• Self Motivation• Commitment• Initiative • Entrepreneurship • Agility • Being networked

• Problem solving• Decision making• Resourcefulness• Collaboration• Communication• Leadership

Who we work with• Third Sector organisations (charities/ non-profit/ SMEs)

• Universities

• Employment agencies

• Volunteer Centres

• Job Centre Plus

• Welsh Government

Why do a Third Sector Internship?

• Take ownership of a project and add real value!

• Apply, develop and test skills/knowledge

• Test out career options without the long term

commitment

• Build portfolio and CV

• Gain a valuable reference

• Explore a diverse and rewarding sector

Some stats...

65%

23%

9%

2% 1%

Age of Intern

18-24

25-30

31-39

40-49

50-59

480 Interns placed!

Business6% Community

4%Education

4%Environment

3%Funding

3%HR6%

IT6%

Journalism/Publishing4%

Film/Photography18%

Marketing/PR/Events

24%

Research/Evaluation12%

Social Care6%

Other3%

Type of Internships

What Interns say.....“The internships have all gone splendidly well, I've genuinely enjoyed the people I've met as well as the projects I've created . The Internships were very flexible, allowing me to study full time as well as handle a part time job, so I would recommend people not to worry about handling an internship while studying.” David, Intern from University of South Wales

“The prospect of leaving university and entering a difficult jobs market was daunting, but the range of opportunities within the Explore Internships catalogue was really encouraging and the application process was straightforward. My internship was an invaluable experience, enabling me to develop my skills and confidence in a supportive environment. I now have a job with Youth Cymru!” Rachel, Intern from Cardiff University

“I took early retirement last year but was concerned about keeping motivated. The internship with VCS has been ideal. I’m so pleased this programme exists!” Kevin, Retired

How can I find out more?

Website: www.wcva.org.uk (go to Volunteering)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/explorementro

Twitter: https://twitter.com/exploreinterns

Catherine Stephens-Ward, Internship Programme Co-ordinator

cstephens-ward@wcva.org.uk

02920 43 6594

WCVA, Baltic House, Mount Stuart Square, Cardiff, CF10 5FH