Volunteering with ABE
To help us to offer a quality service to our students, we need the skills, time and energy of volunteers.
Volunteers come from all walks of life and bring with them their personal skills and life experience. One of the main ways in which you can volunteer is to become a volunteer tutor. You will assist the group tutor to deliver an effective and supportive learning environment for students.
We recruit volunteers through an application and selection process. If you are selected, you will receive training, on-going support and offer accreditation as part of our commitment to our volunteers.
In return we ask you to
- attend training
- volunteer in a group for 2 hours per week
- commit to an additional 12 hours of in-service training throughout the year, spread over 6 sessions
- commit to volunteering with us for at least a year
Once you have gained some experience, you may also decide to commit further time by
- working towards accreditation
- preparing resources for a student
- completing a reflective log of your experiences
Selection Process
If you are interested in applying to volunteer with ABE, please complete and application form and return to us by post or email.
All applicants will be invited to attend the three part selection process. This gives you a chance to find out more about the work done at ABE and to decide if you have the skills and commitment we're looking for.
- Open Day
Information about service. Chance to meet students and volunteers - 1:1 interview
Discussion around application form and assessment of criteria - Selection Day
Selection of those suitable to volunteering with A.B.E is made.
The date for the next open day is still to be confirmed.
Volunteering – First Steps
You will receive training to prepare for your first experience of working with our students.
- Foundation Training
Intro to Adult Learning, Health and safety, POVA, working in a group - Group Placement
Placed in a group to gain experience. - Follow Up
Decision made as to whether to continue with training or remain in group as non-tutoring volunteer
Training Opportunities
Our stage by stage approach allows you to access further training as you gain experience. Alongside the training outlined below, you will be able to attend events on our tutor training calendar to suit your needs.
- Stage 1
Foundation training
Experience in group
Initial Tutoring Training
PDA:ITALL qualification - Stage 2
Extension of Stage 1
Reflection
Tutoring Adults Higher qualification - Stage 3
Group tutor training
Potential paid employment
Training in management of whole group and delivery of group work.
