Support Incoming Apprentices by becoming a Peer Volunteer

You know it better than anyone, joining an Apprenticeship for the first time can, at times, be an overwhelming experience! Navigating a new work balance, and coming into learning (sometimes, for the first time in years) is a universal Apprentice experience.

However, Apprentice volunteers (called Peer Volunteers) play a vital role in easing this transition for those incoming, offering guidance and support that can have a lasting impact on their educational journey. If you’re further along in your qualification, and you’re confident you can answer questions from new Apprentices… you can join a dedicated Community helping set others up for success! 

Sign up to be a peer volunteer here.

Multiverse Peer Volunteers support bring their lived experience to the table. By sharing their own academic and personal journeys, they can provide invaluable guidance to beginners. From going over specific skills to managing time effectively, Volunteers can offer practical advice that helps new Apprentices start their journeys right. Volunteers can also give a compassionate ear, providing emotional support and encouragement during times of stress or change.

By simply sharing their own experiences and empathising with the context of new Apprentices, volunteers help build a sense of community and belonging. This support network fosters resilience, boosts confidence, and empowers Apprentices to own their next steps in the Apprenticeship.

Hear from current and past volunteers about what Peer Support looks like:

Katie Pinion, Digital Business Accelerator 

1. Why did you want to join Peer Volunteering?

I wanted to join Peer Volunteering as I felt it was a great opportunity to network and share any tips and tricks I had to help others. I’ve always enjoyed giving advice to people and building relationships with those around me, and just as much as virtually!
 
2. What have you been talking about with new Apprentices?

I gave each apprentice an option to speak about work-related things, apprenticeship questions or just general chat - sometimes all someone needs is someone to talk to these days, and I wanted to make sure they all felt as though they could openly discuss things with me no matter what the topic was. One of the apprentices wanted to keep things work-related and asked for help and guidance regarding situations with colleagues, Microsoft Excel, or module projects for their apprenticeship qualification. Another apprentice just wanted someone to speak to about anything ranging from Netflix crime documentaries to how she picked her dog’s name.
 
3. How does it fit into your schedule?

I left it within the apprentices’ hands to schedule me for calls/catchups on days that I was available to take a step away from my daily work tasks, as well as gave them my personal phone number for them to text if they had something to quickly ask.
 
4. What kind of experience do you need to support an Apprentice?

Just your lived experience. 100%. It helps having gone through it yourself, as you can give advice and tips that the coaches can’t offer

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Stefania Bona, Data Fellowship Alumni

1. Why did you want to join Peer Volunteering?

I was a Multiverse Mentor, but since I also have other Mentees I was looking for something more casual. Peer Volunteering is the perfect commitment for me since I can still help Apprentices throughout their journey and we can have conversations on a need basis.

2. What have you been talking about with new Apprentices?

Most of our conversations revolved around Apprenticeship/workload/life balance and reviewing work for the apprenticeship for extra tips and feedback.

3. How much time is this on average a week/ month?

An hour or two maximum per month.

4. What kind of experience do you need to support an Apprentice?

The beauty of volunteering is that you can simply share your journey, since you have been there before, and support the Apprentices. The main skill needed is listening!

Volunteering just an hour or two a month has never been easier. Become a Peer Volunteer before the end of June to support our new Apprentices!

Register your profile in two minutes!

This article was curated by the Multiverse Community Team.