Volunteers Week 2026: Inspiring the Next Generation at Carlisle College
Our Candidate Manager, Luke Dart, reflects on a recent experience that highlights just how valuable volunteering can be – both for those you support and for your own personal and professional development.
Volunteering has always been a powerful way to give back to the community, but it’s also an opportunity to grow personally and professionally. During Volunteers’ Week 2026, I’ve found myself reflecting on a particularly rewarding experience – taking part in a Dragon’s Den-style event at Carlisle College, where I joined a panel of local business professionals to hear students pitch their business ideas.
The event brought together Business students who had spent weeks developing their concepts, refining their plans, and building the confidence to present in front of external judges. From the moment I stepped into the room, it was clear how much effort had gone into their preparation. Each student presented individually, bringing their own unique idea to the table – from innovative services to product-based startups – all backed by thoughtful research and genuine enthusiasm.
As a volunteer judge, my role was to listen, challenge, and ultimately support the students in strengthening their ideas. Much like the well-known Dragon’s Den format, we asked questions around their pricing models, target markets, scalability, and risks – encouraging them to think like real entrepreneurs. What stood out most, however, wasn’t just the quality of their ideas, but the confidence they showed in presenting them. For many, this was likely their first experience pitching to professionals, and they rose to the occasion brilliantly.
What made the experience so rewarding was the opportunity to contribute to their development. Offering feedback, sharing real-world perspectives, and helping students think more critically about their ideas felt genuinely impactful. It was a reminder that even a small amount of time given can make a lasting impression on someone’s journey.
It was also fantastic to begin building a relationship with Carlisle College as a local education provider. Having conversations beyond the event itself made it clear there’s real potential for further collaboration in the future. It’s exciting to think about where that relationship could lead, and how continued engagement with students can create even more opportunities to support their development and career readiness.
More broadly, this experience highlights the true value of volunteering. It isn’t just about giving time – it’s about creating meaningful connections, gaining new perspectives, and stepping outside of your day-to-day role. Volunteering in educational settings allows you to engage with fresh ideas, challenge your own thinking, and develop key skills such as communication, leadership, and mentoring.
From a career perspective, volunteering can also be incredibly beneficial. Experiences like participating in events, speaking engagements, or supporting community initiatives can significantly strengthen your CV. They demonstrate initiative, a willingness to contribute beyond your core role, and the ability to engage with different audiences – all qualities highly valued by employers. In my case, being part of the Dragon’s Den panel not only broadened my own experience but also enabled me to connect with other local professionals and organisations.
For anyone considering volunteering, my advice would be simple: take the opportunity. Whether it’s an hour, a day, or a longer-term commitment, the benefits go far beyond what you might expect. You never know who you might meet, what you might learn, or the impact you might have on someone else.
Reflecting on the day at Carlisle College, it’s clear that the students gained valuable experience – but equally, I took away just as much. Seeing their creativity, ambition, and resilience was inspiring, and it reinforced the importance of supporting young people as they prepare to enter the world of work.
Volunteers’ Week is a perfect reminder that giving back doesn’t just benefit others — it enriches your own journey too. At Nicholas Associates Group, we’re fortunate to have the opportunity to give back, with every employee encouraged to take a dedicated day each year to volunteer within their local community. It’s a fantastic initiative that empowers us to make a difference, and one I’d encourage everyone to make the most of.
