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The WAYC team help thousands of young people across Warwickshire to realise their potential. Barney Jeffries talks to three people who work for the association of youth clubs to find out what they do, how they got in to it and what advice they have for ethical job seekers looking for a similar career. The executive director – William Clemmey “I was unemployed after I left university and was offered a job on an unemployment project. I went on to train as a youth worker, and have been in the field ever since. When I joined WAYC in 1993 we had five staff and a turnover of £100,000. We now employ 30 staff and turn over £1 million. “At WAYC, we won the Warwickshire work-life balance award in 2005, and have been commended two years since. We have a high standard of care for our staff – excellent staff are the key to our success. Environmental concerns like recycling are also very important. “My advice to anyone considering a career in youth work would be: go for it! It’s exciting and dynamic, and there are wonderful opportunities to see people change and their skills and confidence develop. I had an email out of the blue recently from somebody who’d attended a youth group I ran years ago, who had since become a youth worker. It’s rare to be able to have that sort of long-term impact, and it’s a marvellous feeling.” The Youth Worker – Cathy Scott “I didn’t ever think I’d be a youth worker. I was unemployed and didn’t know what to do, but eventually decided to take two A levels, then went on to do a sociology degree. Then I saw an advert for an assistant youth worker at a local school. I thought, ‘I can do that,’ because I understand what it’s like for young people who don’t know where their lives are going. I got the job – and I haven’t looked back. “Days can be long, but they’re always interesting. I do a lot of work with MVs [Millennium Volunteers – a scheme for young people doing voluntary work in their community] and deliver NVQ courses, and I’m currently learning sign language. I particularly enjoy coming up with ideas for projects, which is something WAYC encourages. I’m just putting together a proposal for a project with the travelling community. “It’s great to be able to give something back to society and young people. If you treat young people with respect, it builds confidence and helps them realise their potential. I like being able to show people that they can follow their dreams, and that they can challenge the way things are. “At WAYC, you’re accepted for who you are. In some organisations, people are scared to question the ethos, but here alternative views are welcomed.” The Fundraiser – Cath Errington “After university, I did a graduate traineeship in market research, but I didn’t get much joy out of working for big companies. I quite fancied working for the charity sector, so I got a job here as a fundraiser. That was eight years ago – I’m now assistant director with responsibility for fundraising and marketing. “There are various ways of raising money, but it’s often about putting together a business case for a particular project, showing what it will achieve and why we need the money. We’re based in an open-plan office, so I can see and hear what’s going on all the time, which means I can see the value of what I’m raising money for. It’s so important that we invest in young people. “If you’re interested in a career in fundraising, getting experience is really important. Volunteer, have a go – that really helps when you’re applying for jobs. You can also do a traineeship and get a qualification from the Institute of Fundraising.
WAYC The Institute of Fundraising Millenium Volunteers
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