The founders of Furlonteer, a community initiative connecting individuals on furlough with remote volunteer opportunities, has launched Studenteer, a new learning initiative to help students and graduates develop their professional skills.

Studenteer will allow a younger generation of students and graduates to use their free time to make a
positive change for an array of charities, causes or small businesses who are in need of voluntary
support in this challenging work climate.

The new resource aims to serve as an educational initiative and call to action for charities and small businesses to help inspire and encourage Gen Z to develop their skills outside of the classroom, supporting a cause that matters to them and virtually network with a diverse range of individuals and organisations during this challenging time.

The impact of Covid-19 has resulted in over one quarter (27%) of employers recruiting fewer graduates, and hiring 31% fewer interns and placement students. Studenteer said it could provide an excellent solution, connecting many ambitious, highly-skilled students who have lost out on employment opportunities to use their free time to support charities, good causes, and small businesses who face an ongoing struggle during this time.

Studenteer is anticipating 4000+ sign-ups in the first four weeks, where individuals will be
partnered with a large resource of charities and small businesses. Run by students…for students,
the Studenteer initiative is overseen by the wider network of Furlonteers, closely supporting one
another in the everyday running of the new platform, providing guidance and mentorship along the
way.

Underpinned by a partnership with UniHeads to help offer online mental health and wellbeing training,
students who sign up as a Studenteer will primarily grow their knowledge in the sectors of marketing,
business development, design and website development. These remote volunteering roles can range
from a few hours a month to several hours a day with the programme being completely customisable
by the individual.

The initial idea was developed by Sam Tasker-Grindley, co-founder of Furlonteer, alongside a team of
his Furlonteer colleagues, who saw an appetite amongst students wanting to help charities and good causes.

Sam said: “Students are up against it. It feels very similar to the fall out of the financial crisis where
opportunities for students were few and far between. We want to do our bit to help open doors for
talented and enthusiastic students.

“Studenteer will be run by students for students. It’s a very exciting project for the team to express themselves and hone their skills.”

Rebecca Moy added: “The idea is simple; We partner students with each other, furloughed professionals and charities or small businesses, creating opportunities to share skills and work on volunteering projects. Whilst the
class of 2020 may be forced to take work outside of their industry, they can continue to develop their
professional skills until the job market improves.

“We have been overwhelmed by the support. So many people want to help; through volunteering as
mentors or helping us to build Studenteer and we are grateful to work with such a dedicated team.”

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