Many people have volunteered at NEF over the years and had a very positive and rewarding time as well as being a great asset to many different activities.
Past volunteers have written accounts of their experience - detailed below:
Howard
Volunteering for the Communities' Team on their "oldhome Superhome" project
I volunteered at NEF, for six and a half months, as part of my Bsc in Environmental Science with a year in industry. I have completed the majority of my year in ... continue reading
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... industry while at NEF while building on the knowledge that I gained in my first two years at university. Projects that I worked on have included: Local United, SuperHomes, E.ON Thinking Energy Trial and various jobs throughout NEF.
I have been able to make the most of what's on offer at NEF by attending training courses, site visits and have gained first hand experience with the sustainable technologies that are integrated into the building. While at NEF, I have gained so much experience and matured a lot in a relatively short time, this will help me towards achieving a career in renewable energy.
I leave to carry out my dissertation which I am now working on in conjunction with Cliff Willson of NEF. I would like to thank Gabby Mallett for giving me the opportunity to volunteer at NEF and for keeping me busy throughout the whole placement.
I am sad to leave NEF and all the friends I have made working here. I hope to keep in contact both in and outside the office.
Howard
13/03/2012
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Katarin
Volunteering for the Communities' Team on their "oldhome Superhome" project
This year I decided that I want to go abroad to gain more practical experience within my subject. So I was very lucky to get a place within the NEF and that they ... continue reading
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... offered me the opportunity of being a volunteer for 8 weeks. Although it isn't a very long time I got the possibility to learn many new things or to confirm my knowledge which I got at Uni. I was mainly involved within the work of the GSHPA Secretariat, which is responsible for organising and coordinating the work of the council of the GSHPA. During my time in the GSHPA Secretariat I had lots of different and sometimes very challenging tasks. But I was also allowed to get an insight into the communities as well as the consultant's team. In general the tasks, which I have done, were very interesting and sometimes challenging as well, but they provided me the possibility to further develop myself and to get to know how an English NGO works.
I am very pleased that the NEF provided me the possibility to improve my knowledge within their company. During this volunteer placement I gained lots of experience. I am persuaded that these experiences will help me not just professionally but also personally.
Everybody was very friendly, outgoing and nice so really I wish the NEF staff and the NEF as a company all the best for the future!
Katarin
30/09/2011
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James
Volunteering for the Communities' Team on their "oldhome Superhome" project
After graduating, I organised several different volunteering placements to gain valuable experience within the environmental sector. However none were as useful, diverse and interesting as my placement at the NEF... continue reading
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... and I believe it is this experience which helped me get that all important first job.
I focussed mainly on the Old Home SuperHome project creating information leaflets, conducting data analysis of visitor feedback forms and whatever else needed doing. In addition, I was given several ad hoc research tasks so I always had plenty of jobs on the go. The best thing about volunteering here was that I was continuously improving my knowledge of renewable energy which stood me in brilliant stead for interviews. I learnt an enormous amount about energy efficiency, renewable energy systems and sustainability schemes, and also had access to the NEF 'library' which has a wealth of resources and information on all things renewable.
I would thoroughly recommend volunteering here as the work was relevant and interesting, everyone is extremely welcoming, and it played a huge part in getting myself onto the first rung of the careers ladder. Thank you NEF!
James
November 2010-April 2011
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Natasha
Volunteering for the Communities' Team on their "oldhome Superhome" project
I volunteered at the National Energy Foundation as I felt the experience would offer an excellent foundation before starting a master's course in Sustainable Energy Systems this coming September. continue reading
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 I volunteered at the National Energy Foundation as I felt the experience would offer an excellent foundation before starting a master's course in Sustainable Energy Systems this coming September. My time here has proved invaluable as I have learned so much whilst working with the communities' team on their "oldhome Superhome" project - a network of energy-efficient retro fitted homes which open during of the year with the aim to educate visitors in how to save energy and reduce their carbon foot print at home. I have enjoyed helping with the statistics gathered for the project as well as assisting with carbon accounting the whole office.
Everyone who works here are extremely friendly and I have especially enjoyed the opportunity to meet and talk to people with the same purpose - to reduce carbon emissions and stop climate change.
My placement here has been inspirational and I would recommend it to anyone wishing to gain knowledge about the sustainable energy industry.
Natasha is now working for OFGEM as part of their Renewable Heat Incentive team.
Natasha
March-July 2010
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Jenny
A student volunteering during her summer holiday
I volunteered with The National Energy Foundation for 6 weeks during my summer holiday as I felt that it would compliment my course at University, and would look good on my CV. But above all I believed it was a good cause that is fundamental to today's changing environment.... continue reading
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During those 6 weeks I gained far more than this, including an insight into the corporate world from experience in many different departments, and met some fascinating people with similar interests. No day was the same, and I found myself helping develop educational talks (including making the props), helping with the organisation of the Climate Challenge Show, and assisting with the day to day running of the Trade Associations which included a wide range of office duties. I found the whole experience exciting and challenging and above all rewarding. I would recommend it to anyone.
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