Not been shortlisted for interview as I am a volunteer, is this fair?

[KJK1LL3R]

I currently provide ICT Support at my local secondary school as a volunteer as the school doesn't have a dedicated ICT Technician and I wanted the experience on my CV. I recently applied for an ICT Technician role with a youth centre, and today I got a rejection letter from the education & library board telling me that I have "not been shortlisted on this occasion as you are working on a voluntary basis and therefore not eligible to apply." Does this seem fair? I already have a year of paid experience in a technical support role at a university and I am just doing this voluntary work to add more experience to help me get a full-time role.

[laserblazer]

That can't be right? I'd get expert advice.

[Steve21]

I'd say it depends on what their original application stated.

If for example it says "requires 2 years work experience" (or something similar), and you have 1 paid 1 voluntary, surely you don't meet that so they can choose to reject it if wanted?

Often unpaid work isn't classified as "employment" as it doesn't fall under a contract etc (again this may be different for yourself?)

If it's just refusal because you did any volunteering at all ofc that is wrong

Steve

[clareq]

Is it an internal vacancy, and therefore only open to people currently working for the Authority?

[speckytecky]

I'd recommend asking / joining Voice The Union I say asking as they might not be able to offer membership as your roe is voluntary but on the other hand it's just the sort of case they have great expertise in dealing with so you may be lucky and they take up for you anyhow.

[Steve21]

I'd recommend asking / joining Voice The Union I say asking as they might not be able to offer membership as your roe is voluntary but on the other hand it's just the sort of case they have great expertise in dealing with so you may be lucky and they take up for you anyhow.

Don't mean this to sound rude, but isn't that kind of ironic? If they won't let you join without being officially employed by a school, and you're asking if a job can be rejected if you're not employed by a school?

•is contracted to work in support of teaching, learning or childcare provision within a school or other educational establishment

Without knowing what was originally asked for on the application, jumping out to the union gun seems rather harsh personally.

Steve

[laserblazer]

Whatever happens, they are unlikely to give you a shot at the job but why no to contact them and say it does seem a bit unfair? Let them know that you are really keen and have the relevant experience. Who knows, it might sway them into giving you an interview.

[KJK1LL3R]

Here is the original advert:
NEELB - Non-Teaching Jobs

[Steve21]

Here is the original advert:
NEELB - Non-Teaching Jobs

I'd guess it's this line:

NB This post is open only to: Education Sector Affected Groups;

ie: Boards, RTU, Staff Commission, CCEA, Youth Council, CCMS, NICIE & CNaG

Were/are you on a volunteer agreement, or official contract with the school currently?

Steve

[IanT]

That doesn't sound right, we have a volunteer techie at one of my schools and we are in the process of recruiting for a full time techie and i've said your more than welcome to apply!

[nephilim]

It entirely depends on the establishment. One place where I volunteered wouldnt put me forward unless I left the voluntary role and applied like any other applicant. Another allowed me to go ahead and kept me on as a volunteer even though I lost out to another volunteer.

Different places have different rules.

[wagnerk]

That doesn't sound right, we have a volunteer techie at one of my schools and we are in the process of recruiting for a full time techie and i've said your more than welcome to apply!

Again, it depends on whether or not the job advertised was an internal vacancy or an external vacancy (where anyone could apply).

[CAM]

I think it's a case of "We are getting their services for free, why not keep it that way?" Sad but true, you aren't the only person I have seen this happen to.

Also, you still count as working for the company no matter how much pay you get. I had a H&S briefing in my railway job and the group was told "You are volunteers but as far as the law cares, you are all employees of the railway paid or not."

[Sparky1]

I sugest that you seek leagal advice here, what yoou are saying here could possible add up to act of Discrimination.