Job Description

If you are 14-18 years old and looking for work experience supported by your school or college, this opportunity could be for you. You can apply for voluntary work experience with Barnardo's and spend up to two weeks or 70 hours learning about the world of charity retail. By taking part in voluntary work experience in one of our stores, you will: learn the basics of how a retail store works; develop skills that help you stand out from the crowd, and improve your self confidence. Some of the skills you can gain are: sales and customer service, merchandising, administration and organisational skills. All transferable skills that look good on your CV. This is also great opportunity for any young people interested in pursuing a retail or charity sector career. If you decide you wish to stay longer, you can then apply to join us a regular volunteer, where you will be given further opportunities to develop your retail skills, such as using the till, and gain access to training opportunities.

If you're 14-18 years old and looking for work experience supported by your school or college, you can apply for voluntary work experience with Barnardo's. By spending a few weeks in one of our stores, you can learn about the world of retail and gain valuable skills at the same time.

Tasks: Learning about the world of retail by watching and doing.


Sorting and pricing donations of clothes, books and household items ready for sale.



Providing a warm welcome to customers in our store and helping provide a positive shopping experience.



Receiving donations from the public with a smile and thank you.



Creating attractive displays and organising donations on the shop floor to appeal to customers.



Volunteering alongside others as part of a team. You will always have a point of contact to ask questions and learn from others.



Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.



Participating fully in training and supervision.



Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours.



Skills: You do not need any specific skills to take part in voluntary work experience, but you do need a willingness to learn and a positive attitude.


In order for you to make the most of your work experience, it's also important that you: ask if you are unsure of anything, show up on time, look clean and tidy, and can follow procedures.



Benefits: Induction and training.


There will always be a point of contact for guidance and support.



Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including: experience for your VC; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children's charity.