NEW research has found that employers think skills learnt while volunteering are as valuable as those learnt on paid time.
SEEK Volunteer research, conducted in the lead up to National Volunteer Week, found 95 per cent of Queensland hirers view volunteering as a great way to gain experience and skills that can be used in an individual's paid work.
Through volunteering, Gold Coast resident Paul O'Brien gained the necessary skills to start up his own business, Corporate Connectors.
O'Brien now runs Corporate Connectors, a managed networking company which helps businesses identify possible synergies and joint ventures between business' clients.
"Queensland and Gold Coast Rugby league asked for our clubs to create a merger to assist the development of Rugby League in the area," says O'Brien.
"You've got to do research to see what success will look like so you can aim for the most equitable solution to both parties.
Head of SEEK Volunteer, Amanda Robinson (pictured), says the research puts hard facts behind what SEEK has been saying for years, that volunteering constitutes real-work experience.
"It offers new challenges, a new network of peers and a different work space, which can provide the perfect environment to learn new skills or build networks in areas of interest."
Ninety-four per cent of Queensland hirers view relevant volunteering experience as an advantage during the interview process, with 87 per cent believing it can be the deciding factor in choosing between two candidates for a job.
Eighty-six per cent of Queensland hirers recommend candidates volunteer in a relevant area at some point in their career to gain valuable experience and help give them a competitive edge.
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