THE head of the Glasgow 2014 Games Workforce is forthright with her view: "If it was not for volunteers, we could not have a Games.

You need the volunteers to make the Games happen," says Val Mitchell.

And the tailored application and training process for volunteers shows just how highly the city values the contribution volunteers will make to the success of the Games.

The volunteers will be responsible for everything, from dressing up as the mascot to helping hand out uniforms, manning transport helpdesks to directing the crowds of spectators, and chaperoning the athletes in all the major venues from the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome to the Barry Buddon Shooting Centre at Carnoustie.

Before Christmas, 45,000 people registered their interest in applying, so the team at Commonwealth House, in the Merchant City, are primed for an influx as the applications pour in.

Competition could be fierce, with only 25,000 making it through to interview, before a final 15,000 are given roles during the Games.

Ms Mitchell, 35, from Renfrew, says: "It is the biggest sporting event Scotland will ever host.

"Getting volunteers is the biggest recruitment drive we have ever had to undertake.

"Up to 15,000 volunteers is mass recruitment, but for people to be involved in something like this in Scotland is a fantastic opportunity."

She took up her role as head of the Games Workforce 3½ years ago, and has been part of Glasgow 2014 from the beginning of planning.

Ms Mitchell was only the 15th member of staff to be taken on and has been laying out the plans for paid staff, volunteers and contractors, and everything they will need, from dinners during the Games to uniforms and training.

The latest recruitment drive follows on from the initial appointment of 400 Front Runners, as they are known. In other words, volunteers to help in the run-up to the Games.

After the closing date on February 28, the applications will be whittled down, before 300 Front Runners interview about 1000 people a week for the various posts.

Around one third of the volunteers will be in specialist roles, such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists or sport specific roles, for which people need a qualification.

But the vast majority will be general roles and all the training will be provided over three sessions.

On every application, people will get the chance to specify in which venue and which area of expertise they would most like to work.

Ms Mitchell said: "The majority of our roles are general and all we need for these are people with good communication skills, who are good in team work, who are motivated and enthusiastic, and we will give them the training to carry out those roles.

"On the application form we ask them their preference of venue and we also ask them their preference of functional area.

"It is not guaranteed because of mass recruitment, but we do say to them, 'Tell us your preference and we will try to do that. It might be someone says their preferred venue is Barry Buddon's for the shooting, as opposed to being at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

"It might be they say they would prefer to work within the accreditation functional area, as opposed to transport functional area or the sports functional area.

"So we give them that choice and try to sift their applications in a way that we give them what they would like to do."

Although the form is only available online, there is a volunteer centre at Commonwealth House, at 32 Albion Street, where people can go to log on and get help in applying.

All Scotland's 541 libraries will also have help desks, while learning disability charity Enable Scotland is opening up its offices to help people with additional needs apply.

As well as basic personal information, the form asks people to detail any experience, as well as language, sports, first aid and clinical medical skills and qualifications.

But Ms Mitchell says experience is not necessary for many roles because training will be provided for all volunteers.

She said: "For the whole of March the team will sit in a darkened room and will sift through every single application."

Although the volunteers will have to work hard during the Games, it is hoped they will get a lot out of their involvement.

Ms Mitchell said: "A lot of it comes down to basic stuff, such as meeting new friends, gaining new experience, and also just the buzz around being part of such a massive sporting event.

"But volunteers can also benefit by having it on their CV that they have been a volunteer and have gained top level training.

"The Commonwealth Games will be the biggest thing happening in Scotland for a long time, so I urge people to sign up and be part of it."

matty.sutton@ eveningtimes.co.uk

How accessible will the volunteering programme be?

Anyone can apply to be a volunteer. No experience is necessary. We just need people who are friendly and want to help.

We will be recruiting a diverse and inclusive group of volunteers with a broad array of talents, skills and experiences. Games related opportunities are for everyone.

What are the training commitments?

Would-be volunteers must commit to attend an interview in Glasgow, then three further days of training in the city between March-July 2014. There will be four days of training for team leaders. They must also be available to pick up their uniform in Glasgow between April and July next year.

What range of roles are available to volunteers?

There is a wide range, from field of play to helping direct spectators. Some will require specific skills, qualifications or experience, but the majority are general roles. These simply need excellent customer service, a friendly smile and a positive attitude.

What will the hours be?

For most roles shifts will last 8-10 hours. You must be available for eight days from July 23-August 3, 2014.

Will volunteers get paid at all?

No. Volunteers are unpaid members of the Glasgow 2014 Games Workforce team. So they will not receive wages, fees, honorariums, tips, gratuities or reimbursements for their contribution. The rewards are in participation.

No expenses will be provided, but during the games travel on specific public transport will be covered for volunteers.

Is there an upper age limit?

No. Anyone 16 or older can apply and a wide range of roles are available to suit most people.