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Regardless of government funding, the decision to spend a gap-year doing voluntary work reaps rewards in the long term ("Cash for gap-year volunteers", March 19). Such students gain in maturity and stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs. Volunteer work gives students insight into public-sector or not-for-profit careers. This can provide social responsibility, work-life balance and career progression, particularly for women.

Liz Rhodes
Director, National Council for Work Experience