University students volunteering success

The winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award was Carl Clinton, from Wolverhampton. The TESOL and Linguistics student won the highly prestigious award for his work with Re-Entry. His role involved teaching and mentoring young people with educational behavioral issues.

The hard working student also scooped the Wolverhampton Employability Award and a coveted University of Wolverhampton Certificate of Excellence for his sustained commitment to volunteering over the course of his degree. He has accumulated over 1500 hours and is continuing to support his various initiatives.

The University has strong links with over a hundred volunteer-led groups to large national charities including St John’s Ambulance, Victim Support and the Brownies who offer opportunities to students. Since 2008, university students have contributed over £2 million pounds worth of hours of volunteering to the local community which benefits the student and local area.

Simon Brandwood, Head of Careers and Employment Services, said: “Our students impress us every year with their enthusiatiasm and commitment to volunteering. They get a great deal out of volunteering developing skills and experience that complements their academic studies. As volunteering is increasingly recognised by employers it is a great way for students not only to give back to the local community but also help them remain competitive in the job market.”

Over 120 people attended the Employment and Volunteering Awards and other awards included International Student Volunteer of the Year and On-Campus Student Employee of the Year.

The Midcounties Co-operative kindly sponsored the Volunteer of the Year Award for the fifth year running while Enterprise rent-a-car returned for its third year to sponsor the Wolverhampton Student Employee of the Year Award.

Photo: From left to right - Carl Clinton, award winner and sponsor Maxine Sharman, Head of Community Engagement from Midcounties Co-operative

ENDS

For more information please contact Dawn Beddard in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736

Date Issued: Wednesday 15 May 2013