Where can I get training?
Many volunteer organisations offer training as part of their volunteer programs either informally through in-house inductions, workshops or 'on-the-job' training or formally through accredited trainers or training organisations. Volunteer Resource Centres also often coordinate training sessions on common volunteering topics.
But this isn't the only way you can get skilled up. You can access training at local Neighbourhood Houses, community centres or adult learning centres, take a subject or course at a TAFE college or Registered Training Organisation or do some online training.
If you have some specific skills that you'd like to acquire, talk to your volunteering coordinator about relevant training options. Or you can do your own research using the following suggestions as a starting point.
Adult education providers
Adult Community Education (ACE) is a less formal way to get training in a local environment e.g. at a Neighbourhood House or community centre. Victoria has over 350 ACE organisations and two larger institutions: the Centre for Adult Education (CAE) and the Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES).
ACE providers run short courses covering many skill areas for volunteering.
Short Courses Victoria – Find a Course
Search for relevant courses by area of interest (e.g. first aid, food handling), region and suburb.
Adult Community and Further Education – Regional Councils
Contact your nearest ACFE regional office for advice on local adult education providers and courses in your area.
TAFE and Registered Training Organisations
There 18 TAFE institutes and over 1000 vocational education providers in Victoria offering short courses, certificates, diplomas and degrees in all areas relevant to volunteering. You don't have to do a whole course - you can just take one or two single subjects.
TAFE Courses Directory – Find a Course
Search for a course by keyword, browse through course listings or find a provider in your area.
Skills Victoria – TAFE Locations
Find your nearest TAFE institute, visit their website to search for courses or contact them by email. Also includes university contact details.
Skills Victoria - TAFE Course Line
Contact the TAFE Course Line telephone service for help to find a training course or subject to suit you. Call 131 823 between 8.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, except on public holidays.
Certificate in Active Volunteering
Certificate I in Active Volunteering covers the basic skills required for most volunteering roles. The course is available in five metro and regional areas: Ballarat, Benalla, Bendigo, Geelong, Melbourne and Mildura.
TAFE Courses Directory – Certificate I in Active Volunteering
Includes the course description, a list of subjects and links to Victorian training providers.
Online information and resources
You don’t always have to do a course or subject to get new skills. There are also good volunteer training resources and information that you can access on the Web any time you need them. Here’s a selection of web resources:
Office for Volunteers – Training Modules for Community Groups
The South Australian Government’s Office for Volunteers has developed online training programs for 12 popular volunteering subjects including: Be an Effective Volunteer, Customer Service, Volunteering with the Frail Aged, Working in Teams, Effective Communication, Developing Grant Applications and Introduction to Marketing.
Volunteering Australia – Key Publications for Volunteers
Volunteering Australia has over 80 online publications, info sheets and best practice tips on subjects for volunteers.