Volunteers and student placements
Volunteers and work experience students play an integral part in our service delivery at IYS. Our volunteers come from all walks of life and work in most of our program alongside our qualified youth workers. They have a passion for change and a desire to support our young people who are the leaders of tomorrow.
We are always on the hunt for new volunteers or students looking for placement opportunities for their TAFE or University courses.
Feel free to contact us directly to see how you could support IYS in creating opportunities for local children, young people and families.
What do our volunteers say?
Verna Dowling, Volunteer at The Hut
“I started in September 2017 as a student at IYS. After I finished my work placement I decided to stay on as a volunteer because everyone was just so wonderful. The young people IYS works with are awesome and they respond to me really well. I am always recognised outside of The Hut by young people too. The best part about working with young people is the reward of seeing their progression and seeing the difference we can make in their lives, even as a volunteer. The programs run out of The Hut that I can help with are fantastic – everyone is engaged and the young people are all really mature when they need to be.”
What do our students say?
Erin Park, Social Work Student
“In the three months that I spent with Inala Youth Service, I was fortunate enough to engage with the community of Inala in a very positive way. Everyday was an opportunity to put into practice what I had been studying including group work, one-on-one engagement and working with diversity. I particularly enjoyed helping with the Girls With a Purpose Program, and I hope I will be able to deliver a similar program in the future. The Ready 4 Work Program also gave me the chance to deliver practical support to young people, another area of this work which I enjoy.
There are some things that just can’t be taught in a classroom, which is why my student placement was a valuable experience. I left IYS feeling more confident in my career objectives and ready to graduate, knowing more about the youth work sector and how it operates day to day. This includes administration duties such as reporting, grant application and statistics.
I can definitely recommend a placement with IYS to any student who is interested in youth or family work, especially in very diverse communities. You will be given hands-on experience and many opportunities to take initiative and use your talents, while having so much fun along the way. I felt very supported by all the members of staff at IYS and I could approach anyone with any questions or issues that I had.”
Melita Hegarty, Public Relations Student
“I have never participated in anything that creates as much value and real change, until, IYS. Interning at IYS for ten weeks was an experience I will never forget. I was able to gain real world experience while being involved in the communications for programs and initiatives that are truly making a difference. It was a rewarding and fun experience to work with the IYS team and be apart of something that is bigger than myself. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work for an organisation that is so passionate about social issues and are actively finding solutions to overcome them. My time with IYS was short and sweet but it will be something I remember for a lifetime.”
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