I started at Manchester Young Lives as a young person when I applied for an L2 Youth Work Apprenticeship in 2016. It was a great opportunity for me, and I was provided with lots of support from more experienced colleagues. I was also given the opportunity to attend lots of training courses to increase my knowledge, skills, confidence, and professional development. Upon completing the qualification, I decided I wanted to progress further and continued with MYL to complete an L3 Youth work qualification. In 2019 the position of Play and Youth Worker became available, and I decided to apply. During the interview I used all the knowledge and skills I’d acquired during my apprenticeships. It paid off as I was successful in gaining the position.
I have worked across the City of Manchester delivering open-access play and youth activities and holiday playschemes to children and young people aged 6 to 18 years from disadvantaged backgrounds. I have also trained and supported many young volunteers who attend MYL centres, being a young person myself when I was first introduced to MYL I want other young people to receive the same support and guidance I did, which will help them progress onto other opportunities.
In 2023, I took on the role of a Youth Engagement Worker at the Wythenshawe Learning Hub. During this time, I gained skills, working with 16–25-year-olds with SEND, with the end goal of helping them have a better independent life. During my time as a Youth Engagement Worker, I helped the students gain employability skills and taught a qualification in Employability.
I have been fortunate to have worked alongside experienced managers and I have thrived when called upon. In 2024, an opportunity came up as an Employability manager, I took my chances and applied for the Job. I am now the Deputy Employability Manager in Ardwick. I am so grateful to have been given this opportunity and am proud that after beginning my career in youth work as an apprentice, I have been able to progress into different roles at Manchester Young Lives and am looking forward to my future at this incredible organisation as the Deputy Employability Manager.