Volunteers complete training

12:14pm Friday 12th October 2007

October saw Citizens Advice Trafford acknowledge the achievements of its trainee advisers who, having worked through the Citizens Advice competencies training programme, have now achieved Generalist Adviser status. All advisers receive comprehensive free training, which is recognised and respected throughout the country. Achieving this level of competence is recognised and rewarded by Citizens Advice in the form of a certificate.

The training programme consists of observation, working through self-study packs, Taking part in small training groups for one day per week for 12 weeks and a four-day course run by Citizens Advice. Trainees and trainee advisers are supported throughout their training by Ann Goodman and Nicola Bailey from the training department of Citizens Advice Trafford. We find that most people complete the adviser training programme in 6-12 months, although this will, of course, depend on how much time can be given to the training by volunteers.

The training is so good that one-third of volunteers who leave Citizens Advice Trafford go on to paid employment. CAB volunteering provides invaluable skills and experience for employment and the experience is recognised by employers. Many paid bureau managers, case workers, administrators and other paid staff started out as volunteers.

The evening saw 8 trainee advisers receive their certificates(2 at a later date due to illness). Present to applaud and celebrate their achievements were various paid staff and Trustee Board members (also volunteers) from Citizens Advice Trafford

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