Volunteers boost their own skill sets

09:33 9th April 2009

People involved in a volunteer programme through Imperial College London are boosting their own skill sets, according to new research.

More than 450 students are involved with Imperial College London's Volunteer Centre (IVC) and the centre's research found that more than 80 per cent said their own skills had improved as a result of working with local community projects.

Volunteers work on a range of initiatives such as helping older people with computer training, helping to support refugees or arranging children's activities.

Minna Ruohonen, community relations manager at the IVC, told the college's website: "Volunteering is a great way of gaining transferable skills and this research shows clear evidence on how volunteering can be used to enhance students' learning and development here at Imperial."

Over 95 per cent of students who have been involved with the programme said that meeting people from a range of backgrounds had helped enrich their university experiences.

In related news, Alan Tuckett, chief executive of the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education, has defended basic skills courses for adults, saying they are part of "a learning journey" for many.