Celebrating International Volunteer Day

By Cat Allport, CMO – Roq

On this International Volunteer Day, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the importance of giving back to our communities, especially when it comes to nurturing the next generation.

Recently, I had the privilege of attending Nottingham University Samworth Academy’s (NUSA) Interview Day with their Year 11 students. It was an inspiring experience, not just because of the bright, enthusiastic young people I met, but also because it reinforced why initiatives like these are so crucial—for students, schools, and businesses alike.

Empowering students through career engagement

Events like NUSA’s Interview Day provide students with the opportunity to engage with professionals from a diverse range of businesses and gain a firsthand understanding of the working world. For many, it’s their first chance to practice interviews and begin to demystify what entering the workforce might look like. This kind of exposure helps build workplace readiness, setting clear expectations and giving students confidence as they navigate (what can seem like daunting) early career journeys.

But the benefits of initiatives like this extend far beyond technical skills. For students, they offer a chance to explore what employers truly value—not just academic qualifications, but qualities like teamwork, adaptability, and a willingness to learn. These experiences help students realise that attitudes and behaviours, such as curiosity, resilience, and a genuine interest in improving the world around them, are just as important as any specific skill set.

At Roq, we see this firsthand when recruiting for our Quality Engineering Academy. While we can teach technical expertise, the foundation for success lies in values – for us, that means Straight Talking, Passionate, Excellence, and Commitment. We look for people who care about quality, are inquisitive, good at problem-solving and have strong attention to detail.  When someone’s interest in making technology work properly is there, we can provide the training, if they bring the right attitude and approach.

Events like Interview Day help students better understand this perspective, giving them valuable insight into what employers prioritise and preparing them to take their first steps into the working world.

Why businesses must step up

The responsibility to prepare young people for their futures isn’t just on schools—it’s on us as businesses, too. Particularly in industries like technology, where we face an obvious and well-documented digital skills gap, it’s critical to spark interest in STEM careers early. Companies like Roq must take an active role in inspiring and supporting the talent pipeline of tomorrow.

At Roq, we’re deeply committed to giving something back and making a difference where we can, so we encourage our team to engage in a range of activities designed to bring us closer to our community and the charities we’re passionate about. For us, that means liaising and work with schools, colleges, and universities across the UK to help all children develop themselves and increase their future opportunities.  Giving back to the community for Roq is a long-term investment in people. By supporting initiatives like NUSA’s Interview Day, we’re helping to nurture the next generation of quality engineers and problem-solvers who will shape the future of our industry and the quality of the world’s technology!

The Dual Impact of Volunteerism

The impact of volunteer initiatives like this is twofold:

For Students:

• They gain practical skills and workplace insight, making their transition into employment less intimidating.

• They begin to understand that careers aren’t just about technical ability but also about values and culture.

• They leave inspired, equipped with advice and a network to help guide their next steps.

For Professionals and Businesses:

• Professionals have the chance to share what they’ve learned, giving back while gaining fresh perspectives from the younger generation.

• Businesses build connections with future talent and demonstrate their commitment to social responsibility.

• Employees who engage in altruistic activities, like volunteering, often experience a sense of fulfilment and pride, which can boost engagement, morale, and connection to their organisation’s mission and values.

For me personally, participating in NUSA’s event was an opportunity to share my own journey, but also to be inspired by the students themselves. They were curious, ambitious, and full of potential—and it was an honour to play a small part in shaping their career paths.

Building the Future Together

As we celebrate International Volunteer Day, I encourage all businesses—particularly those in industries like technology, which are in critical need of skilled talent—to consider how they can support initiatives like these. When we invest in students today, we’re not just helping them; we’re helping ourselves, too. After all, they are the workforce of the future, and their success is our collective success.

Thank you to NUSA, the dedicated educators, and the incredible students for making the day so rewarding. And thank you to the team at Roq for believing in the importance of giving back. Together, we’re building something extraordinary.

Happy International Volunteer Day!

If a powerhouse woman called Gurjeevan approaches you next autumn to talk to her students, I strongly encourage you to grab the opportunity with both hands.  You won’t regret it!