Volunteering with JA

Junior Achievement (JA) volunteers are role models from the working world who donate their time and expertise to inspire the next generation.

JA volunteers help students to make connections between what they learn in school and how it can be applied in the real world. Through volunteers sharing their enthusiasm and experience, young people gain an understanding of the important role that education will play in shaping their future.

JA volunteers believe they can make a difference – and they show students that they can make a difference too. Our volunteers are what sets JA apart.


How it works

Becoming a JA volunteer will challenge and reward you. The excitement and satisfaction of mentoring, of transforming attitudes and helping young people open their eyes to the world of work keeps many of our volunteers coming back year after year.

A new range of virtual volunteering programme options are available for the new school year. These programmes retain the benefit of traditional in-class programmes while adding extra flexibility for both volunteers and schools. Expanding the range of options for blended learning – combining traditional and digital methods - allows volunteers to facilitate programmes via classrooms’ interactive whiteboards.

Programmes begin at primary school level, teaching students how they can impact the world around them as individuals, workers and consumers and continue through to second level, right up to age 18, preparing students for their future careers. All programmes are facilitated by volunteers from supporting organisations who are fully trained and vetted before commencing and are generally delivered for 30/40mins once a week over 4/5 weeks.


Impact

JA programmes led by trained business volunteers:

  • Help boost career ambitions
  • Develop transversal skills
  • Emphasise link between education and the working world
  • Lead to higher employability
  • Lead to improved entrepreneurial skills and attitudes
  • Enhance intentions to start a business
Read More about our impact

Benefits to Volunteers

  • Excellent form of personal development
  • Enhanced presentation and communication skills
  • Improve your confidence
  • Increase your visibility in your organisation
  • Connect with your community
  • Help meet your organisation’s Corporate Social Responsibility objectives

Surveys of more than 3,000 volunteers over the past five years reported the following:

97%
said students responded well to the opportunity to work with a business volunteer
97%
said JA provided sufficient support during the course of their programme
97%
would participate again in the future
99%
would recommend volunteering with JA to colleagues
Volunteers also noted the following benefits after their JA experience:
76%
found their participation enhanced their communication skills
60%
reported a boost in confidence
45%
reported improved organisational skills
39%
felt enhanced pride in their company as well as job satisfaction

Slide Volunteer, PwC “Volunteering for the Junior Achievement was a thoroughly worthwhile experience and it was a great learning experience for both the students and myself. I learned a lot throughout the programme and I would highly recommend it to anyone.” Slide Volunteer, ICON plc “I had an amazing experience as a Junior Achievement volunteer. It allowed me to feel that I was giving something back to the community. The students were engaging in every activity, they were eager to learn and expressed interest about the world of work. It is a great way to motivate ‘young minds’ to work hard and show them the importance of skills gained at school that are used in their progressive development in the future.” Slide Volunteer, EisnerAmper Ireland


“I feel that I improved myself on a personal skill level in areas such as presentation skills and confidence. I also firmly believe that the children involved in the programme will have gained a greater insight into the world of business and hopefully decide that this is a career path they may want to pursue in the future.”
Slide Volunteer, MSD “A different experience and an opportunity to share life experience with students in Transition Year who are at the difficult stage in life where they are trying to decide on career options. It brought me back to that time myself, unsure of what path to choose and the gravity of these decisions. It allowed me to share my uncertainty at this age with them and where I have come to date despite not being sure which career path to take. Working with JAI as a volunteer was a thoroughly enjoyable and unique experience.” Slide Volunteer, Decathlon “Overall it was amazing! I was quite nervous for the first lesson but the training and booklet helped immeasurably. I improved my skills and the feeling of pride and satisfaction at the end of the 5 weeks was incredible. I left each lesson with a huge smile on my face and looked forward to it each week!” Slide Volunteer, Aer Rianta International “I received a Junior Achievement programme when I was 11 and 12 in Whitefriar Street National School and it left a lasting impression on me. I was glad to return the favour, the pupils were incredible and the enthusiasm and engagement in the coursework trumps any endeavour I've witnessed throughout my 15 years in the working world.”

Volunteer Portal

If you have already registered your interest or are a repeat volunteer please log in to continue your volunteering journey.


Volunteer feedback Form

Provide feedback on your JA experience.
Create your own user feedback survey

Contact Us
If you would like to learn more or register your interest in volunteering please contact us below.


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