Subject: offering skills-building
Not sure where to post this so am posting here to be on the safe side.
One of the things with our group is that while we do expect effort from those who join us (regular attendance at rehearsals for shows youre in, doing any tasks that you have agrred to do on time, etc etc etc) we also like to help people build skills and once people have completed a successful show run with us (good attendance, effort etc) we are happy to supply them with a reference (upon request) and this has, over time, enabled several younger people - in thier late teens - , move on to further/ higher education, or part time employment.
We were wondering how we might be able to open this up, in a limited manner because we are tiny, to more people, say those seeking to expand skills or CVs via the jobcentre.
After all working within theatre can help with communication skills, self presentation, and all kinds of useful things, and in some small-scale research I did last year for my masters degree, I found that the vast majority of local employers whom I contacted with a questionairre, stated that they look upon applicants with some interest in/ experience of theatre - at school, amdram, whatever- more favourably, because of those skills.
I have written to the jobcentre some time ago, but not recieved a reply, so I dont know if people here have any advice on where we can open our doors as far as we are able, to those seriously interested in this kind of approach, or if this kind of thing is not officially "done"... !!!!!!
Laura
Hi Laura,
I'd suggest, rather than the Job Centre, you have a chat with your local Volunteer England Centre (http://www.volunteering.org.uk/) who are currently promoting volunteering as a path to greater employability.
Really, this is something that all voluntary organisations should be thinking about. Recognising the worth of your organisation in furthering the skills of others is brilliant. Not only does it help to attract and keep committed volunteers, but it spreads your own reputation.
The key lies in planning your volunteering opportunities well. As well as performers, what else do you need? Techies? Promotion people? Accountants? Costume makers? By identifying and clearly defining roles, you get the most out of your volunteers, and they get key skills for their CV. Win, win.
All the best,
Marion.
I have tried to contact our local Volunteer England Centre several times and had absolutly no reply. All roles we need / can help with are clearly identified and advertised, but no answer at all. I have also tried our local CVA (no reply)...
Yes, I must admit, I've had similar experiences. Can be a bit of a postcode lottery as to how effective your local VAC can be. It's a shame to hear it's such a wide-spread problem.
One option is to turn up at the office and ask face-to-face. Bit of a pain,
but you can point out their appalling lack of communications whilst you're
there - try and find out why 
