Last updated: 16 August 2023
Gap Year and voluntary programmes
You may be considering taking some time out and having a break from study, while you weigh up your options by taking a gap year. This provides the opportunity to gain skills and experiences, while giving you time to reflect and focus on what you want to do next.
- A productive gap year can be valuable on your CV, many employers welcome the experiences students have gained by demonstrating they have actively managed their time, set realistic goals, stretched themselves, become more focussed and responsible.
- A gap year can also enhance your higher education studies, if you decide to apply for university, you could tailor your gap year to relate it to the subject area you plan to study.
- Volunteering, support a worthwhile cause and gain valuable experience. You could take part in a wildlife conservation project, teach children, or help build a school in a third world country.
Some voluntary work schemes are very popular and have strict deadlines, you need to consider finances to pay for airfares or visas, if overseas. There is a lot to think about during the preparation stage, like how long you want it to be for, an entire year, a few weeks, or months. You could also combine more than one idea, important to do your research. There is a wide range of gap year and volunteering schemes available, even local that you can apply for. Volunteering is unpaid work, you will however be able to claim back expenses that have been spent on travel and lunch.
Waltham Forest Adult Learning Servie Volunteering Opportunities