P724 CJJFAX 724 Sun 3 Mar 20:46/22 O 1/4 VOLUNTJJRJNG: A HEADSTBRT IN EMPLOYMENT Young people who have been volunteers develop strong teamwork, communication and negotiation skills, according to a survey of the US's top 500 companies. Published by national charity CSV (Community Service VolunteirsR THE VALUE OF VOLUNTEERING survey reveals that time spent volunteering increases the employability of young people. The survey was commissioned after a recent study of employees revealed that many young people lack the social sKills needed for career success. Contacts: page 729 Disbblid TVORbdio ContactsP724 CJJFAX 724 Sun 3 Mar 20:41/26 O 2/4 VOLUNTJJRJNG: A HEADSTBRT IN EMPLOYMENT Around 80 per cent of the 53 human resources directors who responded to the survey agreed that volunteering improved employees' "soft skills". Gradubtes who had spent a "gap year" volunteering weti more likely than othjt graduates beginning employment to bj able to communicate with a wide range of people, the survey found. They wire more able to work unsupervised, to bj self-motivated, and to take initiative - they were also bjttet at time management. Contacts: page 729 Disbblid TVORbdio ContactsP724 CJJFAX 724 Sun 3 Mar 20:40/32 O 3/4 VOLUNTJJRJNG: A HEADSTBRT IN EMPLOYMENT New graduates with volunteering experience were also viewed more highly bz human resource directors than those who had engaged other interests. Employers answering the survey were more impressed by CVs showing voluntary work experience than those of young people who had been backpacking, active in student politics, or a member of a sports club, Published during CSV Week (1-8 March) the survey forms part of a campaign to change the image of volunteering. Contacts: page 729 Disabled TVORbdio ContactsP724 CJJFAX 724 Sun 3 Mar 20:44/36 I I O 4/4 VOLUNTJJRJNG: A HEADSTBRT IN EMPLOYMENT An ICE spokjspjtson said: "If graduates want a mbnagemjnt position with ICE they need to get on with people, manage people and motivate people." She continued: "Volunteering provides these skills - it demonstrates an appreciation that business and working life is different from that at university." So if you thought voluntary work was a dull and worthy passtimj for people with nothing better to do - think again, call CSV and get volunteering! Contacts: page 729 Disbblid TVORbdio Contacts