We can all think of someone who had a massive influence on us during our formative years.
Be it a favourite teacher or a sports coach, a friend’s big sister or a kindly neighbour, the people we look up to when we’re still wet behind the ears have the power to influence us our whole lives.
Teenage years can be a time of great excitement but also great uncertainty. In addition to all of the usual issues, such as harum scarum hormones, spots and maintaining a super social media profile, many young people can have additional worries around family and health.
Having a good support network is vital to help teenagers navigate the choppy waters between childhood and adulthood. This is where youth workers come in.
Youth workers work predominantly with teenagers to provide support in their personal, cultural, educational and social development.
Youth workers are employed by colleges and schools as well as voluntary and faith-based groups and youth centres and you can choose to work as a youth support worker or train to become a fully-qualified professional.
Substantial work experience and a strong desire to work in the field are just as important as educational qualifications.
Much of the training is on the job but a relevant degree, diploma or HND is necessary. Alternatively, if your degree is in a different field you can compete a post-graduate qualification.
To do the job well, you need to have oodles of empathy and a high level of emotional intelligence. You need to be able to read people from how they appear and act and not just what they say.
Patience is a virtue you will need in sackloads – often, the young people who will need your help the most will be the ones pushing you away the hardest.
As your career progresses you can choose to specialise in a particular area, such as mental health or working with those at risk of joining gangs.
Alternatively, if you want to have more of an organisational role, you can move into management.
A job as a youth worker can be challenging but is also hugely enjoyable. In terms of job satisfaction, it’s right up there. Not everyone can claim to have changed a young person’s life for the better and set them on a different life path.
If you think you have the skills and the desire to help shape young lives, check out the current vacancies at s1jobs.