Community and Life Skills awards and volunteering opportunities

See also Vocational and Recreational Courses, Portfolios and Certificates and Alternative Academic Qualifications for other alternative options.
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== Community and Life Skills Awards and Volunteering Opportunities ==
===AQA Unit Award Scheme===
With hundreds of units to choose from, this is perhaps the most comprehensive portfolio-building scheme available all in one place. Simply choose a unit - search them here - and build up evidence through learning activities. Submit to the co-ordinating centre and receive a certificate from AQA which validates the young person's achievements. Units are available in everything from equine management to computer programming, and start at Entry level up to Level 3, so there is something for every age and ability.
Little Crafters offer a limited selection of units alongside their other services, with some online lessons available.
Knoyle Learning offer unrestricted access to all units, with support available as and when required.
===ASDAN===
ASDAN offer Ofqual-regulated life and work skills qualifications, and short courses. They are not true equivalents to GCSEs and A levels, because they are a very different type of qualification, but they can be a useful step towards formal qualifications. ASDAN short courses are available through Knoyle Learning (formerly Wiltshire Exam Centre), with over 30 courses to choose from which can all be studied from home - email info@knoyle-learning.co.uk for more info.
===Cadets===
Many cadet groups offer the opportunity to do Duke of Edinburgh awards. Some provide the opportunity for other qualifications, such as BTEC certificates. See the Cadets and Scouts page for more information.
===Duke of Edinburgh's Award===
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award "gives all young people aged 14-24 the chance to develop skills for life and work, fulfil their potential and have a brighter future". Lots of organisations offer the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and this may provide an opportunity to have activities you are already doing formally recognised. See the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Local Contacts to find out where it's offered in your area. Often the youth department of your Local Authority will offer it for individuals who can't access it elsewhere, or some home-ed parents have trained as coordinators to take their home-ed group through the Awards. Lots of scout groups also do DofE. The three sections of the Award (Physical, Skills and Volunteering) can easily be completed by an independent participant, ie one not attached to a group. Where possible, these could be assessed by for example a sports coach, music teacher, or charity shop manager. The Expeditions section can also be accessed as an individual, by joining an Open Award Expedition - found by either looking on the D of E website, or alternatively by googling D of E Open Award Expeditions. You can use the DofE opportunity finder here: Opportunity Finder - The Duke of Edinburgh's Award (dofe.org) to search for Approved Activity Providers.
Morning Star Trust run sailing experiences that from part fo the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, grants available and further information on their site, https://www.mst.org.uk/
===iDEA===
iDEA - The Duke of York Inspiring Digital Enterprise Award is similar to a Duke of Edinburgh Award, but is completed online. There are three Awards - Bronze, Silver and Gold (the Gold is not yet live), which can be achieved by collecting badges related to digital, enterprise and employability skills. See the page on iDEA for more info. There is no age barrier - under 13s can access the programme, which is entirely free to use, with parental consent - but it is however best suited to young adults, content wise.
===Library Hack===
Library Hack. Library Services volunteering. Search your local library services online for volunteering opportunities. National schemes include volunteering to help staff the Summer Reading Challenge (age 14+).
===Millenium Volunteers===
The Millenium Volunteer scheme "The programme is open to anyone aged 14-25 who currently volunteers or would like to start and wants to have their commitment, skills and experience recognised.
"MV has been designed to be as simple as possible and to work around you and your studies, job, hobbies and anything else you’ve got going on – you also get to volunteer where you like, as often as you like and in as many places as you like! As part of the programme you get a certificate backed by your organisation and the Department of Education after your first 50, 100 and 200 hours of volunteering, which along with the support and training your organisation provides, means you get something that looks great on your CV and job and UCAS applications and is endorsed by employers and universities!"
===NCS - National Citizen Service===
NCS - The NCS Challenge is a heavily-subsidised scheme involving volunteering, a residential trip, and presentation/group working skills. For an admin payment of about £50 you get a residential activity stay and training which is subsidised by at least £1,000 per person by the government. For further information see our NCS page
=== Princes Trust Qualifications ===
See Prince's Trust Qualifications for general information. The Personal Development and Employability qualification (OFQUAL-regulated) is available through Knoyle Learning (formerly Wiltshire Exam Centre). The Award consists of 2 units, and the Certificate requires 6. There are currently 9 units available to choose from. The Certificate is slightly larger in size than a GCSE/IGCSE, though not a direct equivalent. 
===Saltire Awards===
Saltire Awards - For volunteers age 12-25 in Scotland
"The Saltire Awards are the Scottish Government’s way of celebrating, recognising and rewarding the commitment, contribution and achievements of young volunteers in Scotland."
===Scouts and Girl Guiding groups===
Scout groups offer the opportunity to participate in volunteer work and complete first aid qualifications, Duke of Edinburgh awards, Young Leaders award and more. Girl Guiding groups offer badges in a range of activities, including First Aid, as well as Queens Guide and Duke of Edinburgh award. See Cadets scouts and girl guiding groups.
=== Springpod ===
Springpod offers virtual work experience opportunities and degree tasters to young people across the UK. Working with well-known organisations, such as BT and the NHS, they typically last two weeks and are completed via a series of webinars, activities and assignments. Springpod also list a number of apprenticeship vacancies.
===Young Commissioners===
Volunteer opportunities in your local area. Young people receive training to make decisions about what activities and services are available in their area. Search your council pages or Connexions.
Category:Alternative Qualifications
Category:Post 16 Options