Would you like to become a volunteer and take part in the Wales Air Ambulance ‘Future Flyers’ scheme?
‘Future Flyers’, which is supported by a grant from the Principality Building Society, aims to give young volunteers looking for work a vital boost.
The volunteering opportunities intend to give the volunteers, aged under 25, a chance to sign up to the scheme and see them all given a ‘future flyers’ pack.
The pack contains a logbook, where volunteers can record hours served, countersigned by their supervisor. The volunteers will also complete an online course covering matters including financial planning, CV writing and career planning.
Upon completion of the course, and an agreed number of volunteer hours, the young volunteer will be presented with a certificate of completion and a skills record.
Upon going to interviews or submitting college and university applications, the individual will then be able to take the pack, plus a reference if applicable, to their future employer or course tutor as evidence of their community and social responsibility.
The Charity must state that the ‘Future Flyers’ scheme is not an opportunity to train to be on the helicopter as a pilot or medic.
Natalie Richards, the Charity’s Director of People and Organisational Development, said: “Future flyers is a wonderful opportunity for young volunteers to gain valuable skills, while gaining experience and evidence to present to potential employees or college representatives. It is a lovely way for the volunteer to be able to show their hard work and commitment to our lifesaving charity.
“Volunteers are the backbone of the Wales Air Ambulance, and their volunteering helps us to be able to continue to save more lives across Wales. We encourage anyone 25 and under to sign up for the scheme, which will enable you to have further skills. By volunteering for our lifesaving Charity and signing up to our future flyers scheme the volunteer will play their own part in saving lives through our country. This is an exciting opportunity not to be missed.”
The project forms part of the Charity’s ongoing strategy, part of which aims to support young people through their ‘Youth Engagement Programme’. The all-Wales service is committed to offering young people across Wales the opportunity to progress and aims to acquire future supporters.
As well as supporting Wales Air Ambulance to continue its lifesaving work, enrolling in the scheme enables young people to boost their CV, make new friends, learn new skills, benefit their community and build confidence. Volunteering can also have a positive impact on an individual’s well-being.
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. For the patient, this can mean hours saved when compared to standard care and is proven to greatly improve survival and early recovery.
The Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
For more information on volunteering for the all-Wales Charity visit www.walesairambulance.com/future-flyers or to sign up as a future flyer visit www.walesairambulance.com/application-for-future-flyers-scheme
