Mark Davies, BP

Volunteer of  the Year

My name’s Mark, I’m 36 and live in Wimbledon. I am a Business Systems Trainer, teaching BP staff how to use in house computer systems. I found out about Young Enterprise from a recruitment fair we had in the cafeteria here at BP and decided to get involved in volunteering as it offered the fastest way into the class room for me. I signed up, got some training and then delivered a lesson. It was all very easy and good training was provided.

the children see and talk to someone who is actually in 'business' - someone different from their teacher. This helps them relate to what we are trying to teach and adds a bit of reality to it as well- Hopefully!

I hope I have made a difference to these young people by bringing myself (very important) and my experience into the classroom so the children see and talk to someone who is actually in 'business' - someone different from their teacher. This helps them relate to what we are trying to teach and adds a bit of reality to it as well- Hopefully!

I just feel I can relate to them and can chat easily to them.
I teach all sorts of kids from primary children aged from six to 11 and also some secondary children aged 13 to15, all from state run schools, mostly in deprived areas.

They can test your patience to the limits sometimes, especially when you get answers that are way off beam! It’s worth it though. The most satisfying part for me though is seeing the children enjoy and participate in the lessons we deliver. It's great when they understand it and tell me at the end they've had a great day.

I would say to others, don’t think about it, just go and do it! Seriously, most people just need that first nudge or shove in order to get them volunteering and then they never look back.