I initially started at Manchester Young Lives as a young person when I applied for an L2 Youth Work Apprenticeship in 2015. 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 a Play and Youth Worker vacancy came up 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.
I have been fortunate to have worked alongside experienced managers and deputised in their absence. When my manager left the organisation to take on another opportunity, I decided I would take a chance, I had nothing to lose so I applied for the position. I am very proud of my achievements and never thought when I first applied for the apprenticeship I would one day be managing 2 of MYLs adventure playgrounds. I am looking forward to this next chapter and growing further within the organisation.