One in four HR professionals say they look for it during recruitment process
The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award has come out on top in a survey of the most recognisable volunteering programmes looked for by employers.
One in four UK human resources professionals said during the recruitment process they look for the youth social action programme.
The Duke of Edinburgh’s pipped The Prince’s Trust 22%, The Scout Association 18% and Girlguiding 17% for popularity.
The survey, carried out for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, findings were released to coincide with Scottish Apprenticeship Week which runs until 22 May.
Over two thirds of responders surveyed said believed entry-level candidates with voluntary experience have more employability skills such as teamwork and communication to offer than those who don’t.
Because of their award they are far more self-aware of what it takes to run a business
Speaking about the programme as part of the week’s promotion, GE Caledonian, a major aviation employer in South Ayrshire, said the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards is something they value highly.
There, apprentices under 24 years old are offered the chance to achieve their Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award as part of their modern apprenticeship.
To achieve their award they do a minimum of 12 months volunteering, physical activity and developing a skill. They also do a four day expedition in wild country and spend a week away on a residential.
Paul Young, materials and planning manager, said: “Doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award makes apprentices more than just a technical expert.
“They are more engaged in the local community. They gain skills like teamwork that make them better employees.
“Because of their Award they are far more self-aware of what it takes to run a business.”
Bruce Harris, Duke of Edinburgh’s manager for South Ayrshire Council, added: “As well as the apprentices getting a great opportunity to participate in the DofE, we also use it to inspire our school pupils to become involved in DofE as a way of developing skills that employers are looking for when recruiting and developing their workforce.”
Employers are encouraged to sign up to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Skills for Business campaign at DofEskills.org.
