David Ferguson
David is a REEV/ProjectScotland Volunteer based in Auchinleck.
"I had been looking for a job since I left college and had three interviews for apprenticeships but got knocked back for each one. I decided to volunteer as a couple of my friends recommended it, so I researched it further and found BTCV on the internet. To be honest I didn’t think it would be such a laugh – I always thought volunteering was simply about doing work for nothing, but it’s not like that. It makes you feel good about yourself and I’ve been working on my National Qualification modules. I’ve completed the Introduction to Gardening Skills and I’m now looking forward to the Building and Repairing Drystane Dykes.
It’s not like being at school – you learn at your own pace, nobody is trying to force you into anything, and you learn through doing. I’ve noticed a difference in myself – I’m not as shy as I used to be and I’ve made quite a few new pals. I’m hoping that with my new skills I’ll get a good full-time job which will start my career. I would recommend to anyone thinking about volunteering and improving their employment skills, to give it a go".
Julie-Ann Diffey
Julie-Anne made the tough decision to drop out of nursing, and consider an alternative career she would get more enjoyment from. She had always liked the idea of working outdoors and got in contact with BTCV who suggested the ProjectScotland placement at Craig Meagaidh. Julie-Anne’s role there currently involves her monitoring various species within the reserve, which include early morning observations and daily recordings. She also helps the other volunteers with tasks, such as path building and keeping the reserve clean.
So far, two months into her placement, Julie-Anne feels like she is gaining self-confidence, new experiences and lots of skills and is determined to work hard to achieve even more. She is planning on carrying on her placement until at least the end of the year and would ideally like to continue in this line of work in the future.
"My proudest moment so far definitely has to building a path through the back garden for walkers to use. It was hard work but also lots of fun and we got plenty of fresh air! I felt that the new path was my permanent mark on Creag Meagaidh".
Robert Gibson
Robert Gibson (22), a ProjectScotland volunteer, has been volunteering at BTCV in Broxburn for 10 months and has impressed those he works with, with his dedication to the charity, fellow volunteers and his pursuit of goals. As a Volunteer Officer, Robert was involved in the planning and implementation of a number of projects as well managing and helping his fellow volunteers.
Robert’s line manager, John Boyle and mentor, Jo Mould have been impressed by his dedication, "He has always shown a keen interest in environmental and conservation issues and his own talents and practical skills have been a great asset to us. He has a friendly outgoing nature and is always willing to take the time to help and encourage others. This is particularly important as many of our volunteers have special needs either related to health or other background problems".
John Stewart
John was finding that his days were becoming unproductive and decided to volunteer as he thought that is would be rewarding. BTCV were locally based, which meant it was easy for him to travel back and forth without hassle.
John started out as a volunteer. Within a few weeks he was promoted to Volunteer Officer which gave him the responsibility of looking after the Database, general admin and hardware installation around the office. He was also helping the volunteers out with day to day practical skills.
Cowan House is owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. In a few weeks their team at BTCV was able to change what was just a moderately big grass land into a biodiversity paradise. Building boardwalks, footpaths and planting hundreds of plants and even the making of a good sized pond. Self confidence was a big thing for John as before his placement he was a very nervous young man. He feels that he has gained more that he thought he would such as friendship, skills and a great sense of achievement.
John found his mentor was a great help! His mentor suggested every opportunity that ProjectScotland had to offer through email as well as ensuring that he felt involved with what was going on making sure that the mentoring sessions were a good laugh.
"I was not that open to what was going around the world and what I needed was a little bit of help here and there. I guess I owe ProjectScotland and BTCV Munlochy for that one".
Having completed his placement now John has two options available to him. He will either take a job in IT or he will return to college to achieve some more qualifications! What John would really like to do is to become a software or web site designer.
"I'm not really sure why I chose ProjectScotland; it was really a spontaneous decision. One that turned out perfect for me".