How divisional youth apprenticeships are having an impact

London and South East divisional apprentices share how they are developing through work-based training.

What prompted you to apply for a youth support worker apprenticeship?

Luke I was shown the advert and felt it was where I needed to be. After conversations with my then corps officer, I applied.

Kevin I hadn’t realised this opportunity existed until a friend sent me a link. I had already been a youth club volunteer in Margate, interested and passionate about helping young people. I looked at what it means to be a youth worker in the Army and loved the idea. 

Frankie I’ve attended the Army for more than 10 years and felt called by God to apply.

What corps do you attend?

Luke I’m a member of Maidstone Corps and have grown up in the Army my whole life. I share some of the annoyances and challenges young people face today and it enables me to relate to them. It has helped me with my biblical studies too.

Kevin I’ve been a member of Armáda Spásy in Margate since it opened around 2007. Being part of this church has helped me become who I am today. I’ve been able to grow spiritually and meet amazing people.

Frankie I’ve been attending Regent Hall Corps for over three years. It’s helped me to know how corps work and how to interact with corps leaders and members.

How long have you been an apprentice and what’s the best part?

Luke About 18 months. I mainly workin corps and fresh expressions. As part of the DHQ team, I partake in and support divisional activities. The best part is travelling around the division, meeting young people and seeing different expressions of the Army.

Kevin Over a year. I’m a South East DHQ apprentice and my role is a divisional youth support worker. The best part is visiting different youth clubs, churches and schools and helping people.

Frankie Five months. My London DHQ apprenticeship involves youth work in corps and centres. I have lots of variety in where I go and what I do. I’ve travelled to Manchester, Birmingham, Castleford and all over London and Kent. The best part has been taking young people from Southwark Young People Service to the Partnership Trophy homelessness football tournament.

What support do you receive as an apprentice?

Luke The apprenticeship provider supports me in the learning side of my role with my dyslexia. Instead of written assignments, I have academic discussions with my tutor and produce verbal evidence of my learning.

Kevin I receive amazing support from my manager, Anita, the youth team, the South East DHQ team and from my tutors at RM Training.

Frankie Varied support from my line manager, the DHQ team and corps officers. 

What valuable practical skills have you learnt so far?

Kevin There are different needs in different settings and every leader has a different leadership style. As a youth worker I should be able to respect and adapt to those differences.

Frankie I have learnt how to lead engaging discipleship sessions in a youth club.

What’s your biggest achievement so far?

Kevin Training courses have enabled me to work in schools as a mentor, help open and run a youth club, work within a team and achieve amazing things. I’ve taken part in summer camps and gained a better understanding of youth work.

Frankie Coming third in the Partnership Trophy!

What do you hope for at the end of your apprenticeship?

Kevin To get a job where I encourage and help young people, in the Army or elsewhere.

Frankie To achieve my Level 3 qualification and gain a youth worker role within the Army.

What advice do you have for other prospective apprentices in future?

All Go for it!

Kevin It’s amazing to see how much you grow and learn. If I can do it, so can you!

Frankie You learn on the job, see how you are developing and get support from your team.