Michael Charles Adams MBE Memorial Trust

27/02/2025

Can Volunteering Count As Work Experience?

At MCA Trust, we believe that every action, no matter how small, can make a significant impact. Whether you’re offering support to children and families facing cancer or contributing in other ways, volunteering can be an incredibly rewarding experience. But can it count as work experience? The short answer is yes, and here’s why.

Valuable Skills Gained Through Volunteering

Volunteering provides valuable skills and insights that are highly relevant in the professional world. By offering your time and skills to a cause you’re passionate about, you gain experience in areas such as:

  • Teamwork – Working alongside other volunteers and staff members.
  • Communication – Interacting with a diverse range of people, including children, families, and professionals.
  • Organisation – Assisting with events or administrative tasks that require coordination and planning.
  • Problem-solving – Finding creative solutions to challenges that arise during volunteering.

These are qualities that many employers look for, and they can often be just as valuable as traditional paid work experience.

Volunteering at MCA Trust: A Meaningful Opportunity

At MCA Trust, we understand the importance of providing opportunities to gain experience in a meaningful way. Volunteering with a charity like ours allows you to develop skills that are transferable to a variety of industries. Whether you’re:

  • Supporting fundraising events – Helping organise and run events that raise vital funds for children battling cancer.
  • Providing direct support – Assisting families and children in need of emotional or practical help.
  • Assisting with administration – Helping with office tasks, communications, or managing databases.

Each role offers a chance to learn and grow, making your volunteer experience both valuable and rewarding.

Building Connections and Expanding Your Network

One of the key benefits of volunteering is the opportunity to build a network of connections. By working alongside professionals and like-minded individuals, you may:

  • Gain exposure to potential job opportunities – Volunteer work can lead to future career opportunities or internships.
  • Enhance your professional reputation – Being involved with a well-respected charity like MCA Trust can improve your CV and show potential employers your commitment to helping others.

The experience gained from volunteering is a great way to demonstrate that you are proactive, compassionate, and dedicated to making a positive impact.

Volunteering and Education

For students, volunteering can also play an essential role in meeting work experience requirements for educational programmes. Many universities and colleges recognise the value of volunteering, and it can be an excellent way to:

  • Fulfil work experience requirements – Volunteering allows students to gain practical experience and build their skills outside the classroom.
  • Strengthen personal statements – The time you spend volunteering can make your application stand out and increase your chances of securing future opportunities.

Why Volunteering Matters

Ultimately, volunteering isn’t just about giving your time – it’s about gaining valuable experience that can shape your future. It allows you to develop new skills, meet inspiring people, and make a positive difference in the lives of those who need it most.

If you’re considering volunteering, we would love to hear from you. At MCA Trust, we rely on the generosity of people like you to help us support local children and teenagers through their childhood cancer journey. Together, we can make a difference.