Our Learner’s experience

Name: JS

Course: Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice

Role: Youth Worker

Organisation: Creative Youth Partnership Somerset

Why did you want to do the qualification?

“I did my Level 2 award at the end of last year / beginning of this year (2024). I learnt so much through doing the course that it opened my eyes on what we really do for the young people. It made me think of when I was younger, and my cousins and family and how we were brought up. There wasn’t much support or a safe place to go to. My cousin’s had it much worse than I did with lots of abuse which back then I thought was the ‘norm’. I wanted to know more on how to give the support that the young people need. I wanted to be able to support the young people in my area who I know go to the youth club. For some, I know it is their safe space. I also wanted to further my knowledge so I could do this better. I like helping others and if I can guide someone in the right direction, then I will try. I didn’t have the confidence at the start, but thought any new information I learn would be better than no new information. It would also help my role as a youth worker no matter if I failed the course or not“

Did you enjoy the course?

“I really enjoyed the course. My tutor gave me so much confidence that even if I was unsure of the answer, I would have a go in the lessons. She was never negative in her responses, if I was wrong. I was made to feel that it’s better to have a go than not say anything at all. I really enjoyed getting to know new people and their way of thinking and dealing with different situations.“

What did you learn from the course?

“Most of this was new to me. I had touched on a few things in my life without knowing they were a technique. Such as the TKI method. I didn’t know the term Heterosexism and that they think that people should be punished for being different, but it didn’t surprise me that some people think like that. The policies and procedures still need to stick in my head, but I am working on that. I learned to believe in myself a little more also. I was surprised I know more than I think which was nice, just not the technical terms. I also learnt that my line manager isn’t as scary as I thought she was, and I feel more comfortable to be able to talk to her about things.”

Did you have any struggles and if so, how did you overcome them?

“My first big struggle was using the laptop. Doing my Level 2 I learnt a little, but I needed to learn more doing L3. I had to learn how to download the videos from a couple of the sessions. I took deep breaths and followed the instructions which turned out to be easy enough. Then to try and paste pictures onto my course work. I overcame this by using power point instead. I accidentally learnt how to add more than 1 page on that and also learned how to insert shapes. A massive learning curve.

I struggled to remember the leader styles such as democratic. I overcame this with making up a little saying to go with each one: Autocratic = automatic. Democratic – demolition & cracking on with the job. And then you have Lazy Laissez-faire who does sweet nothing.

And then there’s remembering the policies and procedures. Yuck! I have done a little poster to help me remember these for my youth setting. I am hoping they will stick in my head the more I see it and talk about it.

The examples of discrimination I found a little tricky on a few of them so I had to have a chat with a friend so I could wrap my head around them. I also had great support from a couple of people I work with / worked with and my line manager who I could talk to if needed.”

What impact has completing the course had on you and your work with young people?

“It has improved my knowledge so that I am able to support, guide, empower and signpost young people so much better than before I did the course. I didn’t know of so many organisations that offer support in so many ways. It was great to know. These will be going on to a poster in case the young people need support but do not wish to open up to us youth workers. It has helped me to be more aware of how a leader should be and the important of what a good lead youth worker should be.

It has also made me more aware of the different types of discrimination. I’m hoping it will make me a better youth worker so I’m able to support the young people better when they need it from small conflict to safeguarding issues.”

Employer’s experience

Name: Andy Kimber

Role: Head of Operations

Organisation: Young Bristol

Why did you want your staff to do their qualification in youth work?

“Our staff wanted to build their knowledge and ground their practice in professional understanding. Working for young people they want to develop themselves to ensure they are striving to offer the best delivery to young people.”

Has their practice changed / improved since doing the course?

“We have seen our teams become stronger through multiple members of the team doing their Youth Work qualifications. Session planning and reflection has taken a big step forward and plans are now put up in the club for young people to see how their voice comes through and what they can look forward to. I have seen a confidence grow in the team to support young people with their needs and tackling big issues.”

What impact has completing the course had on the staff who have completed it, and on the organisation?

“Completing the qualifications have given staff the confidence in knowing their practise is grounded in professional knowledge. This has helped to equip them with skills to work with young people on issue based topics and design sessions for young people with them in mind.

It is helping to push the whole organisation forward in creating the best possible offer for young people. Membership at our clubs is increasing especially in the young teenage age group, which is a positive sign sessions being delivered are what young people want.”