A CHEER FOR VOLUNTEERING IN TOURISM
Don’t underestimate the power of volunteering! When hiring for a job, employers are always impressed by candidates who have shown commitment to a voluntary role…
Don’t underestimate the power of volunteering! When hiring for a job, employers are always impressed by candidates who have shown commitment to a voluntary role. As we’ve said before here on Be More, volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience, build confidence and develop skills that are invaluable for a future paid position.
It’s also far more flexible than many people realise. Some people volunteer to strengthen their CV before applying for jobs or apprenticeships. Others use it to gain recent experience while looking for work, explore a new career alongside their current job, or enjoy learning something new after retirement.
Volunteering in the tourism industry opens the door to lots of fun alongside opportunities to develop your skills. The Liverpool City Region’s visitor economy supports thousands of jobs across attractions, museums, galleries, theatres, festivals, sporting events, hotels, restaurants and visitor destinations. Spending time as a volunteer in this sector will give you an insight into working in one of the most vibrant job scenes. It will also help you make connections to people already working in the industry who may even end up offering you a job! And of course, volunteering in the visitor economy helps you build the communication, teamwork, and customer service skills that employers value.
We’ve done a bit of research on your behalf and here are five fantastic opportunities currently available across the Liverpool City Region.
Be part of sporting history at the Tour de France Grand Départ
In 2027, the Tour de France Grand Départ will arrive in the UK, with our region playing a starring role.
Organisers are currently looking for 9,000 volunteers, known as JOY Makers, to help create an unforgettable welcome for competitors and spectators from around the world. One of the opening stages will finish on Liverpool’s waterfront after travelling through Knowsley and St Helens, meaning volunteers will become part of an event watched by millions of people across the globe!
Volunteers are needed to help visitors find their way, support event operations, and create a warm welcome for cycling fans. An opportunity like this will give you first-hand experience of being involved in an international sporting event. It’s an exceptional opportunity for anyone interested in tourism, hospitality, events or visitor experience, and one that would stand out on your CV.
Full training is provided, and no prior volunteer experience is required. Enthusiasm, a positive attitude and a willingness to help are far more important.
Welcome visitors to some of the UK’s best-loved museums
Every year, millions of people visit the Museum of Liverpool, World Museum, the Maritime Museum, the Walker Art Gallery and other venues managed by National Museums Liverpool.
Volunteers play an important role in making every visit memorable. They greet families as they arrive, help visitors get more from exhibitions, support public events or assist with educational activities. It’s a great way to meet people from across the UK and around the world while getting experience with one of the country’s largest museum groups.
The experience also provides a fascinating insight into the many careers that exist behind the scenes. Many volunteers discover interests and career possibilities they hadn’t previously considered.
Flexible volunteering opportunities also make National Museums Liverpool an attractive option for people fitting volunteering around work, study or family life, as well as those with more time to give after retiring.
Help audiences enjoy unforgettable theatre experiences
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to theatres in our region, and many offer uniquely fascinating volunteering opportunities. Shakespeare North Playhouse in Prescot relies on volunteers to help audiences at performances in its unique, timber-framed Cockpit Theatre. The volunteers welcome theatre-goers, lead heritage tours, assist with education and community activities, and even have opportunities to help with marketing, fundraising and backstage technical support! All this gives an amazing insight into the various roles on offer in theatre. There are also regular opportunities at other theatres in the region, including the pocket-sized Unity Theatre and the Royal Court. One of the perks of volunteering at theatres is that you often get to watch the plays and performances for free!
More about volunteering at Shakespeare North Playhouse
Volunteer at one of Liverpool’s most distinctive cultural destinations
As the home of the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity, The Reader has become a nationally recognised cultural destination, welcoming visitors to Calderstones Park throughout the year for literature, heritage, family activities, and events. Volunteers play an important role in helping visitors make the most of their experience. Current opportunities include assisting at The Reader Bookshop by welcoming customers, recommending books based on their interests, and sharing information about upcoming events. From time to time, opportunities arise to support reception, welcome services, events, heritage activities, gardens and maintenance. The Reader also trains volunteers as Reading Heroes, supporting Shared Reading groups with adults in communities across the UK. These opportunities help develop communication and customer service skills while contributing to one of Liverpool City Region’s most unique cultural organisations.
More on volunteering at The Reader
More than volunteering
Volunteering offers far more than something to include on a CV. For someone just starting out, it provides valuable experience that can strengthen applications for jobs including apprenticeships. If you are already employed, you can volunteer to develop transferable skills, explore a different sector or enjoy doing something completely different outside work. Many retirees also find volunteering a rewarding way to stay active, continue learning and share knowledge with others.
The visitor economy depends on people who can communicate well, solve problems, work as part of a team and create great experiences for visitors. Volunteering allows you to develop these qualities in real settings while making a genuine contribution to some of the Liverpool City Region’s best-loved organisations and biggest events.
