Is a lack of work experience stopping you from getting the job you want? Are you returning to the workforce after a break and worried about being out of work for too long? Or perhaps you want to explore a different career without leaving your current role?
Volunteering can be an excellent way to bridge your skills and experience gap while giving back to the community. Many organisations welcome volunteers in a variety of roles, so it is likely you can find an opportunity that suits your interests. If the experience is relevant to future job opportunities, you can include it on your CV or resume.
Benefits of Volunteering
In addition to gaining practical experience, volunteering can help you develop:
- Connections – Build your professional network and practice social skills
- Soft skills – Improve time management, teamwork, problem-solving and communication
- Confidence – Especially valuable if you have been out of the workforce or have limited experience
Finding Volunteer Opportunities
Before you start searching, consider:
- What types of work would help fill your skills gap?
- What roles interest you most?
- What skills and experience can you offer?
- How much time can you commit—full-time, part-time or casual?
- How long do you want to volunteer?
Volunteer opportunities exist in many sectors. Here are some useful resources:
- Volunteering Australia – National volunteer positions
- SEEK Volunteer – Opportunities across Australia
- NSW Volunteering – Roles within NSW
- RSPCA NSW – Animal welfare volunteering
- Go Volunteer
- Meals on Wheels – Supporting seniors with meal delivery
- Local Neighbourhood Centres– Community volunteering
- Food Rescue Central West – Volunteer roles in food recovery
Volunteering is a practical way to gain experience, build skills and expand your network. It can also boost your confidence and open doors to future job opportunities.
✅ Ready to start? Explore volunteer roles today and take the first step towards building your experience and career.
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Skillset would like to acknowledge and pay respect to the traditional custodians of the lands on which we work.We are honoured to be on the ancestral lands of those whose cultures are among the oldest living cultures in human history. We pay respect to the Elders, past, present and to the younger generation of the community who will be the future leaders in years to come.