CELEBRATING JET VOLUNTEERS THIS #VOLUNTEERSWEEK 2021
It’s Volunteer’s Week (1-7 June) which makes it the perfect time to celebrate and say thank you to some of JET’s amazing volunteering network.
Our volunteers come from all walks of life. They give their time, talent and inspiration to help support our youth engagement teams as they deliver JET’s programmes, and help young people be the best they can be.
After what has been an exceptionally challenging year, the role of volunteers is set to become even more crucial as we move forward and continue to help young people to stay on track and achieve their potential.
Many of JET’s volunteers have links to the corporate partners and RAF bases we work with across the UK. For these crucial JET partners, the value of employees offering their time and expertise is not only felt by the young people we support, but is also hugely rewarding to the partners themselves, helps them boost team morale and forge even stronger links with their local communities.
To mark this year’s Volunteer’s Week, we took time to chat with some of our volunteers to find out why they find their experiences so rewarding:
Bremont: Molly, Malcolm, and Stuart – a volunteering trio
Bremont is a JET supporter and Molly, Malcolm and Stuart are three of the watch manufacturer’s in-house team who really enjoy working with JET’s young people.
Molly, Bremont Military and Special Projects said: “Having the opportunity to organise fantastic experience days for JET students has been a real pleasure. Seeing the uncertainty of the students make way for a sense of achievement after completing the tasks has been really rewarding. It is great to see Bremont show such support for a fantastic group of people.”
Malcolm, Manufacturing Manager said: “It is great to be part of something that is giving back to children who have not had the best start in life. I found that all the kids came in with a good attitude towards the tasks given to them. Personally, I loved see how happy they were after using the machines and seeing a successful result.”
Stuart, Application Engineer said: “It feels great to be involved in offering opportunities to underprivileged kids in an industry that they might not otherwise have access to.”
NATS: Volunteering with JET helps young people achieve!
NATS is another key charity partner and is hugely supportive of the team building and communication development programmes that JET runs for young people in schools.
Martin Smith is a much valued and respected member of the volunteer team here at JET.
Martin Smith, Safety Consultant for NATS said:
“Being able to volunteer and help out the next generation is my way of thanking those who helped me. Having learned lots of skills throughout my RAF career, I am now able to help develop these young people to be the best they can be, no matter what challenges life throws at them.
The enthusiasm and energy the young people bring to our activities is impressive and seeing them grow in confidence and ability is something that gives me an enormous sense of pride. Whether in the classroom, trying a high-ropes confidence course or delivering a prepared speech, every smile tells you the benefits of the work of the Trust. It’s inspirational.”
Kevin Beresford: From volunteer to JETs newest staff member.
A volunteer with JET since 2016, Kevin Beresford, who is based at 622 Sqn, Brize Norton, has recently joined JET as part of our youth outreach team. Kev knows first-hand why volunteering is a rewarding experience that brings so many positive benefits.
He recalls: “I’ve seen first-hand how the JET programme establishes strong community links within the local area. I’ve found working alongside other JET volunteers at Brize inspiring and have forged many new friendships and visited units and sections that were new to me. The JET volunteers have a common purpose and there’s a fantastic community spirit within the team.”
On volunteering, Kev has this to share:
“New experiences benefit your mind, body, and soul, especially those focused on the community. Volunteering often lifts you out of your comfort zone, and by helping others grow and learn you simultaneously help yourself learn new social and technical skills. I’ve personally found that by investing my energy into something that does good and connecting with others, I’ve naturally increased my own confidence and self-worth. Personally, I find that what you give is reflected back to you and if you want to feel good, do good.”
Click here to find out more about Volunteers Week 2021.
COMING SOON: JET Inspired – JET’s new digital resource hub for teachers and youth group leaders.
