How long can you volunteer for a company before asking them to give you a reference?

[dealbreaker]

I'm thinking 3 months is ok and not too cheeky. Have been volunteering for two days a week and have worked hard for them. Would like them to be a referee for me as I apply for paying jobs. Is 3 months in too early?

Why ever not?
You've worked well and they have evidence of that - what better reference could a prospective employer want?

I think 3 months is fine. What's the worst that can happen? You might not get the job because you haven't got a strong enough reference but you definitely wont get the job if you haven't applied!

CR xx