Why you should do a DofE experience?
The Highlife Centre has recently become a DofE accredited centre. This means that any young people that want to a Duke of Edinburgh can do some of their steps with us whether that be their volunteering or their skills section. Our youth team are able to help young people through this process to better themselves and develop as individuals.
We have put together some ways that we think you can make the most of your DofE experience and why we think you should use it to set you up for your next steps whether that be college, sixth form or an apprenticeship.
Take time to find your passion
It can be easy to accidentally treat DofE like a school chore and not an enrichment activity. You can use your DofE as a chance to try out new things to see what it is that you are good at or like to do. Try volunteering at different organisations. Research different roles and groups. This can also lead to you meeting new people that are like minded meaning you can work together on projects for school or to build your CV in the future.
Soft Skills for your CV
Your DofE expedition and tasks allow you to build up communication, team work and interpersonal skills in a way that being in the classroom in school cannot allow you to do. Having these skills from DofE on your CV will be very attractive to competitive apprenticeships or courses you may soon be applying to.
Community Spirit
Use your DofE to engage with your local community and get to know what is available beyond what you already interact with day to day. You will meet lots of different groups throughout your DofE that you had previously never heard of. This will create more varied and positive experiences.
DofE can be a brilliant opportunity for young people to develop themselves beyond the standard academic setting. It is a safe space to try new things. It is great for people who live in the city as it allows you to explore nature and the world around you beyond where you live, go to school, see friends and family. Please email our youth team aspirations@thehighlife.org if you would like support with your DofE.