Youth Volunteer Programme: Front of House [20713]

Are you a young person living in Dumfries and Galloway?
Are you interested in the heritage, tourism and museum sector?
Are you aged 16 – 24?
Are you interested in gaining new experience and skills?
The Robert Burns Ellisland Trust Youth Volunteer Programme aims to provide young people (16-24) in the Dumfries and Galloway region with the opportunity to develop key skills and earn nationally recognised qualifications through volunteering.
On this programme volunteers will gain real hands-on experience in a variety of areas, including front-of-house operations, research and event planning. Volunteers will learn new skills to enhance their CVs and be supported to earn valuable certifications for their future careers.

Programme Overview
Ellisland Farm was built by Robert Burns in 1788 for his young wife Jean Armour and their family. Burns was especially creative at Ellisland, writing a quarter of his songs and poems including Auld Lang Syne and Tam o Shanter. During his time here, his focus moved to song-writing and collecting, including My Heart’s in the Highlands, The Banks of Doon, Killiecrankie and John Anderson. Burns chose Ellisland for its beautiful setting beside the River Nith. It has changed little since the 18th century and remains the most authentic of all his homes.
On the Youth Volunteer Programme, you will join a dedicated team of staff and volunteers to care for and share the collections, site and stories of Ellisland Museum & Farm.

Youth Volunteer Roles
Youth Volunteers will have the chance to work across different areas of the museum to gain new skills and experiences which are relevant to their personal development or career aspirations.

As a Front of House volunteer your responsibilities may include:
• Retail
• Visitor Services
• Cleaning

The skills and experience you will gain may include:
• Hospitality
• Communication
• Stock Management
• Money Management
• Visitor Services
• Organisation

Qualifications
In addition to on-site training, Youth Volunteers will have the option to earn an accredited qualification that will further enhance their skill sets and qualifications. These may include:
• Saltire Award
• REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene
• Emergency First Aid at Work
• Digital Marketing
• Leadership Skills
• Project Management
• Museum Essentials

Support and Mentorship
Each Youth Volunteer will be matched with a member of staff at Ellisland Museum & Farm who will act as their nominated mentor. Youth Volunteers will have the opportunity to meet with their mentor every six weeks to discuss professional development and career pathways.
While on the Youth Volunteer programme participants will additionally be supported by the Volunteer Coordinator to identify skills and personal development opportunities, which will be reviewed on a regular basis.
The Volunteer Coordinator can provide a reference for future employment or study for participants after three months of volunteering.

How to apply
Interested in getting involved? Submit an expression of interest or get in touch with Katie MacDonald, Project Officer at Ellisland Museum & Farm at events@ellislandfarm.co.uk or call 01387740426.

Interested in this role?