Free Level 1 Volunteering Course in Manchester

CostFREE
Duration1 year
LevelLevel 1
DeliveryClassroom based
Start1 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyNCFE awarding body

About this course

Free Level 1 Volunteering Course in Manchester. Classes run at Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus, full-time during the day. You'll explore what volunteering involves, develop practical skills, and build an understanding of how voluntary organisations work. The course typically takes one year to complete. It suits those looking to gain a recognised volunteering qualification before moving into further study or paid work in community, care, or support roles.

Who this course is for

Discover our range of courses at Hopwood Hall College, with entry requirements, progression and course information.

Entry requirements

Discover our range of courses at Hopwood Hall College, with entry requirements, progression and course information.

What you will learn

  • You'll understand the role and value of volunteering in communities.
  • You'll learn how voluntary organisations are structured and run.
  • You'll develop communication and teamwork skills used in volunteer settings.
  • You'll explore your own strengths and how they apply to volunteering roles.
  • You'll learn about the rights and responsibilities of volunteers.
  • You'll reflect on your volunteering experiences and what you've gained from them.

How you will learn

You'll learn through classroom sessions at Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus. Learning is activity-based, with group work and discussion forming a key part of each session. Assessment is through portfolio work and practical tasks rather than formal exams. Your tutor will support you throughout and help you track your progress toward the Level 1 Award in Volunteering.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Hopwood Hall College Middleton Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Volunteer coordinator assistant, supporting day-to-day volunteer activities
  • Community support worker, helping people in local services
  • Care assistant, working alongside paid staff in care settings
  • Youth worker assistant, supporting young people in community programmes
  • Charity shop assistant, running retail operations for voluntary organisations
  • Admin support volunteer, helping charities with office tasks

What you could study next

  • Level 2 Certificate in Volunteering, to deepen your knowledge and take on more responsibility in volunteer roles.
  • Level 2 Certificate in Community Development, if you want to work more broadly in community settings.
  • Level 2 Award in Health and Social Care, a natural next step toward paid work in care or support services.
  • Level 3 qualifications in Health and Social Care or Community Services, for those aiming toward supervisory or specialist roles.