How to get references for returning to work?

[Harping]

I haven’t worked officially for 15 years as been sahm. I recently started looking at volunteering opportunities to start my way back in to work. But even these require references. And I am feeling a bit lost. Maybe I need to do some sort of admin course at the local college to get a better reference?

A lot of places places - particularly voluntary roles - will accept non work references if you have been out of work for a long time (I was in the same position). Any course you have done, a teacher at your childs school, neighbour or friend of good standing who you’ve known for a long time, church or Scout leader etc, any one off events you’ve assisted with etc. I would ask at the role you want to do. I doubt they’d want to miss out on a good volunteer due to no work references.

Thank you. That is very helpful

Yep non work reference fine for volunteering. Ideally if you know someone well of professional standing such as a teacher, nurse or someone in community such as scout/Brownie leader.