The search for up to 15,000 volunteers for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games will start on Monday, 14 January 2013 when applications open.

From 0700 on Monday, people have the opportunity to become a part of history with Glasgow 2014 needing the biggest peace-time deployment of volunteers for a common cause Scotland has ever seen.

Applicants have just under seven weeks to go to www.glasgow2014.com/volunteer and complete their online form with a final closing date of Thursday, 28 February.

No previous experience is necessary for the majority of roles with the emphasis on finding people who are friendly, welcoming and dedicated to making the Games a success.

Those suited to more specialist roles can list their skills on the form while there is a wide range of general opportunities in areas such as Transport, Spectator Services and Sport Competition.

All applications will be reviewed at the end of the process with around 25,000 successful applicants then invited for informal interviews from April 2013 onwards. Around 1,000 interviews a week will take place at the purpose-built Volunteer Centre until the end of the year.

The contribution of the Games Makers during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games was widely recognised as a positive and Glasgow 2014 will be seeking its own volunteers to help deliver the largest sporting and cultural event ever hosted in Scotland.

Applicants need to be 16 or older to apply, be eligible to work in the UK and must be available for at least eight days during the Games themselves between 23 July and 3 August in 2014 as well as to come to Glasgow for an interview, training and uniform collection ahead of the Games.

David Grevemberg, Glasgow 2014 Chief Executive, said:

"The volunteers will be at the heart of an unforgettable Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games and the huge enthusiasm of those who have taken to social media to express their excitement and interest to volunteer has been overwhelming.

"The opening of applications on Monday is a landmark moment for us and there is just under seven weeks to apply online. If you need help to take this huge opportunity to be part of the Games you can come into the Volunteer Centre here in Glasgow, telephone the contact centre or visit any library in Scotland who can assist.

"There is no need for people to have volunteered before. We have a wide range of general roles available as well as specialist positions and we have always emphasised that what matters most is a smiling face, a winning attitude and friendly banter - qualities I know Scotland and Glasgow will deliver in abundance."