Reskill for the Future: How Reskilling and Upskilling Volunteers Can Transform Your Organisation

Little-known fact: The difference between an engaged, long-term volunteer and one who fades away often comes down to one key factor—how much support they receive in developing their skills. Many organisations overlook the importance of not only reskilling but also upskilling their volunteers, leaving them frustrated and underutilised. But investing in continuous development can make all the difference between a volunteer experience that thrives and one that fizzles out.

At Firefly, we don’t just focus on reskilling our team members; we emphasise the importance of upskilling. Every week, we hold team meetings to discuss wins, share feedback, and brainstorm ways to improve the volunteer experience for the upcoming week. We don't rely on the same tools and methods every day; we constantly explore new strategies to ensure the outcomes we produce are better than the last. From the founders to the marketing assistant, everyone on the team is encouraged to develop new skills and push boundaries, with the founders always there to support every team member’s growth.

Why Reskilling and Upskilling Volunteers Matters

Volunteering is constantly evolving, and so are the skills needed to succeed. The organisations that keep up with these changes by investing in their volunteers' skillsets are the ones that will thrive in the long run. Here's why it matters to offer both reskilling and upskilling opportunities:

• Adapting to Changing Volunteer Roles Volunteer work isn't static. As community needs and organisational goals shift, the roles volunteers play must evolve too. Providing volunteers with the chance to reskill and upskill ensures they are equipped to take on new responsibilities, adapt to changing tools, and meet the growing demands of their communities. For more on adapting volunteer roles, you can check out this article on the benefits of volunteering.

• Supporting Career and Personal Development For many volunteers, their roles provide more than just an opportunity to give back—they’re a chance to grow. Upskilling gives volunteers new knowledge, experience, and confidence, all of which help them build their careers or develop personally. When volunteers know they are gaining valuable skills, they are more likely to stay committed. Upskilling volunteers for impact is a critical strategy to retain motivated volunteers.

• Enhancing Volunteer Retention When volunteers feel that their personal growth is valued, they are more likely to stay. A culture that supports learning, growth, and skill development helps create an environment where volunteers feel appreciated and motivated. This leads to stronger retention rates and more engaged, satisfied volunteers. Volunteer retention strategies have been shown to improve when organisations invest in development.

• Ensuring Organisational Agility An organisation with skilled, adaptable volunteers can respond more effectively to new challenges and opportunities. Whether it’s integrating new technology or tackling unforeseen challenges, volunteers who are continuously learning will always be ready to lend a hand. The Australian Volunteers International emphasises how agility in volunteer programs drives success.

Key Areas for Reskilling and Upskilling Volunteers

To ensure that your volunteers are prepared for the future, it’s important to focus on the following areas of development:

• Digital Literacy and Technology Skills With the increasing reliance on digital platforms, it's crucial for volunteers to be comfortable using technology. Providing training on tools such as volunteer management software, digital communication tools, and even social media will help volunteers stay effective and efficient in their roles.

• Soft Skills for Effective Volunteer Engagement While technical skills are important, soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork play a huge role in volunteer success. Volunteers who can build relationships and work well within a team are essential to a positive, productive environment. Upskilling in these areas leads to more effective collaboration and stronger community impact.

• Leadership and Mentorship Skills Offering leadership training helps volunteers develop the skills needed to take on more responsibility and eventually lead teams or mentor others. This not only ensures the continuity of your programme but also empowers volunteers to make a greater impact in their roles.

• Crisis Management and Problem-Solving Volunteers are often called upon during times of crisis, and being able to handle emergencies or unexpected situations with confidence is vital. Providing training in crisis management and problem-solving ensures that your volunteers are prepared for any challenge that may arise.

How to Implement a Reskilling and Upskilling Strategy for Volunteers

To support volunteer growth, you need a clear, structured approach. Here’s how to implement reskilling and upskilling in your volunteer programme:

• Assess Volunteer Skill Needs Start by assessing the current skill levels of your volunteers and identifying areas for improvement. Conduct surveys or informal check-ins to understand what skills your volunteers feel they need and tailor your training efforts accordingly.

• Offer Accessible Training Opportunities Ensure that training is available to all volunteers, regardless of their location or schedule. Online courses, webinars, and interactive workshops are great options for providing flexible, accessible learning opportunities.

• Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning Create an environment where volunteers are encouraged to seek out new learning opportunities. Offer regular skill-building workshops, provide access to online resources, and celebrate learning achievements. By nurturing a culture of growth, volunteers will remain engaged and motivated.

• Measure Progress and Adapt Track the progress of your volunteers' development and evaluate the impact of your reskilling and upskilling initiatives. Use this feedback to refine your approach, improve training materials, and address any emerging needs.

Looking Ahead

Reskilling and upskilling volunteers isn't just an administrative task—it’s a strategic investment in the future of your organisation. By offering opportunities for growth, you can build a more skilled, engaged, and motivated volunteer base that drives success for years to come. A commitment to volunteer development not only improves outcomes but strengthens retention and creates a positive, forward-thinking environment.

When organisations focus on reskilling and upskilling, they invest in the future of their volunteers and their community impact. Volunteers who are equipped with new skills are not only more effective but are also more likely to stay committed, ensuring long-term success for your organisation.