Volunteering

The SS Great Britain Trust is extremely grateful to its wonderful team of volunteers who give their time to contribute to our charitable work and to ensure that everyone who visits has a fantastic time. 

We have lots of different volunteer roles, meaning there is something for everyone! If you are curious about whether you would like to volunteer with us, then have a look at some of the wonderful testimonials that we have below. 

If you enjoy meeting people, want to be involved in the work of one of the UK’s leading visitor attractions and share our belief that learning at any age can be fun, then find out more about volunteering below.

Volunteering at SS Great Britain

Volunteer Opportunities

Register your interest

Register your interest for future opportunities, on 0117 462 3126 or email our friendly team at volunteering@ssgreatbritain.org.
Get in touch✉️

Volunteer Role Descriptions

Interested in volunteering with us? We have lots of exciting roles to suit your interests!
Click here to learn more

Current Opportunities

Bookshop

We are currently looking for a bookshop volunteer who is interested in helping us run our small volunteer book nook that is a new addition to the SS Great Britain shop.

 

Within the nature of this role, it would be great to get a volunteer who is committed to coming back multiple times.
Apply
Apply

Musicians

We are currently looking for a musical volunteer who is interested in playing for small audiences on the ship. Within this role you will be performing some small pieces for those on the ship, helping to add to the atmosphere of the ship.

Learn more about the role by clicking here. This role will be fairly ad-hoc but will be require at least a few hours a week.

Apply
Apply

Groundskeeper

We are currently looking for someone who is physically fit and interested in keeping the area tidy and nice around the SS Great Britian. Within the role you will be doing some weeding and general upkeep of the site.

This role will ideally be once a week and will be fairly routine, please get in contact with our team to learn more about this new role.

Apply
Apply

Volunteer Testimonials

Yasmin – Volunteer Testimonial

“I wanted to volunteer at the SSGB to expand my reach outside of the University bubble. Working with the education team for a weekly shift was a brilliant way to do this – it’s been an extremely rewarding experience working with different groups of children and seeing their enthusiasm. The workshops are always great fun and are really flexible to fit around other commitments!”

John – Volunteer Testimonial

“Six years ago, I joined the Costume Team at the Great Britain in the role of a Victorian Seaman. The ship is a fascinating place to volunteer because of the stories about its history, engineering and revolutionary technology for the 1840’s. Being in costume seems to break down barriers with visitors and I find it becomes comfortable to relate information about the ship, its voyages and its passengers in the relaxed but professional manner that is encouraged at the Great Britain. During the six years I have also been able to take advantage of other opportunities, such as giving talks and joining in with the Harbour Festival Activities. I’m very glad I joined!”

Sarah – Volunteer Testimonial

“I love welcoming so many visitors who have a special connection with the ship: those Bristolians who ‘were there’ on 19 July 1970; people who return after a 30-year gap and can’t believe how the ship has been restored; a couple who come back every year on their wedding anniversary and relive their pirate-themed wedding. Then the tours: kids on their first post-Covid school trip scrubbing the deck and steering the ship. Finally, working with some great people, other volunteers and staff – all amazing!”

Mike – Volunteer Testimonial

“I feel that my life has been privileged, both in my working and personal life and that community volunteering over the years, both at home and abroad, has been a way of returning those privileges to others. Representing the SS Great Britain Trust in the community, is not for me, just a promotional exercise, but a means of showing interest, friendship and acceptance, both to children and adults.  This is particularly relevant on the calm days for autistic people. In greeting them, showing them around the ship or helping with an activity, even though they have difficulties and differences, we can help them feel accepted as part of our community.”   

Volunteer Favourites: SS Great Britain