Discover a career in youth work - taster day on 19th February

Discover a career in youth work

Youth work is more than just a job - it’s a calling that shapes communities and changes lives. If you’re passionate about supporting young people and want to explore the possibilities of a career in youth work, then don’t miss the NET Get into Youth Work taster day on Wednesday 19th February 2025 at YMCA Humber, Grimsby.

This free event is your opportunity to connect with experienced professionals and discover the qualifications available to kickstart your journey into youth work. But why is youth work so important, and what makes a great youth worker? We spoke to Donna, YMCA Humber’s Youth Development Manager, to find out.

Why is youth work so important for communities?

“Youth work is important for communities because we engage with young people and get them to see the value of community; that their community cares about them, and the difference that they can make.”

What skills and qualities are essential for youth work?

“The ability to hold a conversation. Being able to talk about anything and everything. Being able to show understanding. Being non-judgemental. The ability to have fun and leave your ego at the door. And patience… lots and lots of patience! But really, overall, that understanding that every young person you see is different. Everybody's an individual and young people have their own stories as well.”

How do the courses on offer help prepare people for real-world youth work?

“The courses give you a really good basis and understanding of why we do what we do, what is the point of that conversation you've just had, what is the meaning of it. Why are you delivering a certain workshop on a certain subject? What are the theories behind the things that we do and why we do them?

It's stuff that we do every single day, but understanding the main reasons and the theory behind it really supports you to do the work that you do. It answers those questions that sometimes we kind of go, ‘Oh, what are we doing that for?’. It gives you that basis and that understanding.

It also gives you the opportunity to speak with other youth workers, gain experience and knowledge from other people and know that you're not on your own. You're in it with a team of local youth workers that want to work together, and you’re all doing it for the same reason - you want a better outcome for that young person.”

Why should people attend the taster day?

“It’s going to give you the opportunity to speak to youth providers locally. If you're interested in volunteering, you'll be able to sign up with different agencies to get those volunteering experiences which are vital to find out whether it's something you want to do in the future. It's that opportunity to look at the different courses that are on offer from the Level 1 course at Grimsby Institute, the Level 2 at Franklin, and the Level 3 from NET and YMCA Humber. You'll also see a youth session in action. So, you'll see youth workers engaging with young people and get a feel for what it can be like.”

What would you say to anyone considering a career in youth work and attending the taster day?

“Come along and see what it’s like. Youth work is a career like no other. It is a profession. We don't just play football and a game of pool. We do so much more! If it's something you're interested in or want to do, please come along because it can change your life, and you can really have a good career in youth work.”

Join us

The taster day is the perfect opportunity to explore youth work as a career, meet local training providers, and gain first-hand experience of what it’s like to work with young people.

📅 Date: Wednesday 19th February 2025  

📍 Location: YMCA Humber, 21 Freeman Street, Grimsby, DN32 7AB  

⏰ Time: 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM (drop in anytime)  

🎟️ Register now for free: Get into Youth Work Tickets, Wed, Feb 19, 2025 at 2:00 PM | Eventbrite

Don’t miss this chance to change lives - starting with your own. We look forward to welcoming you!