How to switch to an underrated career in youth work as demand rapidly rises

IT’S a service used by more than four million people nationally that radically changes lives, but youth work remains one of the UK’s most underrated careers.

The sector currently employs around 70,000 people in 8,500 organisations, helped by an army of 180,000 volunteers.

Taking place in youth clubs and other community settings, youth workers provide support, guidance, life and employability skills for young people aged eight to 19, and young adults up to the age of 25 with additional needs.

Despite demand for youth work services rapidly rising — with two-thirds of organisations reporting more young people turning to them – most are struggling to attract new staff.

Budget cuts mean 4,500 jobs have been lost and 760 centres closed in the last ten years because of lack of local authority investment.

However, the new Government has pledged to rollout a “young futures programme”, which will need an influx of new workers to help young people.

This week is National Youth Work Week, which aims to raise awareness of the life-changing difference youth workers make to young people.

Jamie Masraff is CEO of national youth charity OnSide, which builds multimillion-pound “youth zones” in disadvantaged areas.

He explains: “With so many young people facing anxiety, loneliness and isolation, youth workers have never been more important.

“Youth Work Week celebrates the crucial role youth workers play and highlights how rewarding a career it can be.”

Harry Wills knows how important youth workers can be for young people because they gave him the support he needed as a teenager.

The 31-year-old from West London is now a manager at OnSide’s WEST Youth Zone, based in White City, London, which has more than 2,500 members.

Harry said: “When I was 13, I was getting in trouble at school and was placed in foster care. I felt overwhelmed and worried that my carers might stop looking after me.

“My local youth club was a safe, consistent space in my life and the youth workers were the trusted adults I needed.

“I tried a few different jobs until my social worker suggested a youth work apprenticeship.

“On my first day in the job everything clicked into place. I love helping to build young people’s confidence, helping them on their way to finding out who they want to be, there’s nothing more rewarding.”

There are three main ways to become a youth worker.

Most people begin by volunteering with a local organisation.

To become a youth support worker, you need a Level 2 or 3 certificate, or a Diploma in Youth Work Practice.

These qualifications are great for people already working in a youth setting.

To be a professional youth worker, you’ll need to study for a Level 6 qualification, including the newly launched Level 6 Youth Worker Apprenticeship.

As well as changing lives for the better, youth work can also provide a long-term career.

A recent study by the National Youth Agency, the national body for the profession in England, found that more than half of youth workers have worked in the sector for ten or more years, while 37 per cent are highly qualified professional youth workers.

NYA boss Leigh Middleton said: “There have been some huge challenges, but we are beginning to see a step-change in how youth work is perceived and valued.”

• You can find out more by going to nya.org.uk/youth-work-week.

easyJet proves a force for good

IT’S Remembrance Sunday this week, when we honour the sacrifices made by our Armed Forces.

Around 20,000 people leave the forces each year, equipped with highly transferable skills.

To support these service leavers, easyJet has now teamed up with ex-forces employment platform weServed to hire morte veterans.

Hugh Andree, of weServed, said: “We’re proud to help create a pathway for UK veterans to explore new job opportunities, from aircraft engineers to cabin crew.”

The campaign is backed by former SAS hero, turned novelist, Andy McNab, who said: “We know it can be a challenge for veterans to find the right career fit.

“But easyJet understands the value of their skill sets and can support them with new and rewarding career journeys.

Time for serious payback

A THIRD of people are seeking to switch to a career with more purpose, with helping others to improve their lives the most popular route.

Careers expert John Lees is working with the Probation Service to promote the role of Community Payback supervisors, who support offenders to improve their communities.

Here are John’s tips to find a more purposeful career.

1. Find your passion: Understanding what gets you out of bed in the morning is crucial if you’re looking for a career with more purpose.

2. Take some time to list things you’re passionate about and you can find a career that fits almost any passion.

3. Identify transferable skills: Your previous experience can be of use in a totally different industry. For example, if you’ve worked in customer service it is likely that you have the skills to diffuse situations and communicate with empathy.

4. Be creative: Your next role might not be obvious, and you’ll need to think creatively about how you can pair your passion with your career. If you love the outdoors, why not consider a role in Community Payback, where you’ll be able to spend time in nature while you give back to your community.

5. Become your own biggest advocate: Be confident in selling yourself. Note three key skills you have and practise discussing these, then, look through the job description and pick out three requirements for the role that you have experience in. Being able to discuss these with confidence will give you a great chance in any interview.

6. Take your time: The biggest mistake people make when changing careers is making a rushed decision. Take time to consider your options and lean on people close to you who can act as a sounding board.

• Search Community Payback jobs online to find out more