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- Tasks: Become a Watchkeeper and learn essential skills like first aid, navigation, and radio procedures.
- Company: Join a community-focused organisation dedicated to coastal safety and training.
- Benefits: Gain recognised qualifications, valuable experience, and make a difference in your community.
- Why this job: Make an impact while developing skills that can lead to future employment opportunities.
- Qualifications: Open to volunteers aged 16-25 with a passion for safety and community service.
- Other info: Participate in exciting events and earn Saltire Awards hours for your volunteering.
There are various volunteering opportunities available within North Ayrshire. Please browse the selection below to find a suitable volunteering opportunity in your local area.
Become a “Watchkeeper”! Volunteers are guided through a training process, with instruction in radio procedures, navigation, map reading, first aid and more. This is an interesting and worthwhile volunteering opportunity.
You will work with our skilled and highly trained volunteers, through a very specialised training course with the result that you can become a Watchkeeper yourself with skills which are adaptable and flexible and could be used in full-time paid employment. A Training Pack will be organised for you which will identify the skills you learn and those which you still need to acquire.
Not only will you learn how to approach new challenges in a competent and confident manner, which are always useful when looking for paid employment, but other less obvious skills are always being learned through interaction with the public by using your first aid skills, patrolling the harbour or beach area, helping to organise events, or simply selling teas and coffees in our wee shop.
We hold various public events throughout the year, including our hugely successful annual Polar Plunge in January, and it is hoped that all our volunteers participate in the organising before and during these events.
We work closely with HM Coastguard, the Police, the RNLI and are members of the Sea Safety Group. Beach and Harbour patrols are carried out regularly keeping watch on public safety and the general welfare of the environment.
Wearing a Coastwatch uniform is not required until you are certain you wish to become a volunteer with us. All we ask of our volunteers is that you undertake to spend a minimum of 10 hours per month carrying out Coastwatch duties. An initial interview with our Station Manager would take place at the Beach Pavilion before a volunteering opportunity is offered.
Irvine Railway Station is about a mile from the Beach Pavilion, otherwise a bus will take you most of the way. There are plenty of car parking spaces available.
No travelling expenses are paid to volunteers while travelling to and from the Coastwatch office. All other expenses (if any) are covered by Coastwatch.
Our new volunteers’ initial training course covers first aid, radio procedures, navigation and map reading. These can be converted into recognised qualifications by the RYA and SQA. Training is mostly in-house and our volunteers should attend weekly training sessions which are held on a Wednesday evening and occasionally at the weekends either inside the Coastwatch Pavilion or, if the weather is good, outside on the beach or in the Beach Park. We also have opportunities to train for DofE awards.
Volunteers (aged 16-25) taking part in this opportunity are eligible to claim Saltire Awards hours for their activity.
Watchkeeper Volunteer - Coastline Safety & Training in Irvine employer: The Ayrshire Community Trust
Contact Detail:
The Ayrshire Community Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Watchkeeper Volunteer - Coastline Safety & Training in Irvine
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Coastwatch and their values. When you chat with them, show that you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute as a Watchkeeper.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! As a Watchkeeper, you'll be interacting with the public and other volunteers. Try role-playing scenarios with friends to boost your confidence before the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for the interview; reach out to current volunteers or staff on social media. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for you.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and ready to commit to those 10 hours a month.
We think you need these skills to ace Watchkeeper Volunteer - Coastline Safety & Training in Irvine
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for volunteering shine through! We want to see why you’re excited about becoming a Watchkeeper and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight relevant skills and experiences. Whether it’s first aid, teamwork, or event organisation, we love seeing how your background fits with what we do!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your thoughts are organised and easy to follow. This helps us get to know you better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Ayrshire Community Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Watchkeeper and the skills involved. Brush up on radio procedures, navigation, and first aid basics. This will show your genuine interest and readiness to learn.
✨Show Your Passion for Volunteering
Express why you want to volunteer with Coastwatch specifically. Share any previous volunteering experiences or community involvement that highlight your commitment to public safety and teamwork.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask the Station Manager about the training process and what a typical day looks like as a Watchkeeper. This demonstrates your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
During the interview, let your personality shine through. The team is looking for someone who can interact well with the public and work alongside others, so being authentic will help you connect better.
