Case Studies

For Mel, working with young people has never been just a job. After 25 years supporting pupils in a secondary school, she knew that her passion lay in helping young people achieve their potential, but she didn’t want to take the route into teaching. Currently employed as a youth support worker at her local council (within four weeks of completing the qualification!), Mel spoke with us about her path, experiences, and what she’s learned along the way.

“I’ve always loved working with young people,” she says. “Helping them achieve their GCSEs and seeing their faces when they reach their goals is so rewarding. Becoming a youth support worker felt like a natural next step. It allows me to support young people to reach their full potential, whatever that may be for them at that moment in their lives.” 

Her opportunity came unexpectedly. Last year, Mel worked on a joint project with a member of the Blaenau Gwent Youth Service. Later, that same staff member reached out to Mel’s daughter about a new opportunity to gain a qualification in youth and support work. “When I found out there was one space left on the course, I jumped at the chance,” she smiles. 

The course (the Agored Cymru Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice) was delivered as part of a partnership between Cardiff Metropolitan University, Monmouthshire County Council Youth Service and the Youth Work Training Academy (ETS Cymru, funded by Welsh Government), hosted by Blaenau Gwent Youth Service. It turned out to be exactly what Mel needed to reignite her sense of purpose. 

“It gave me a deeper understanding of the impact we have on the young people we work with,” Mel says. “Throughout my role as an intervention lead in numeracy, the qualification has helped me apply a holistic approach and really understand the factors that affect young people’s lives.” 

After two and a half decades of experience, Mel didn’t expect to learn so much. But the Youth Work qualification offered her new tools to reflect, grow and adapt her practice. “Julia, the course tutor, is an amazing facilitator,” she says. “The way the course is developed and delivered makes you look at yourself, your core values and beliefs. Completing this qualification has helped me reflect on my own practice and realise that I am good at what I do!” 

One of the most surprising lessons came through reflective practice. “Even though I’ve been in a similar role for 25 years, I had the opportunity to work with young people in a more informal, educative way,” she explains. “I really enjoyed the reflective practice unit. I now journal every day, it’s made me a better reflective practitioner, and I’m much more self-aware.” 

The course also gave Mel a renewed sense of purpose about what youth work truly means. “It reinforced for me that every activity we do with young people has a purpose,” she says. “We’re not just playing a game of pool; we’re helping them develop skills that will support them in adult life. We’re helping them make informed decisions for themselves.” 

Mel believes that youth work provides a vital space for young people in the community: one that combines support, guidance and belonging. “The youth work community gives our young people a safe place, somewhere they can be themselves, learn new skills, and access opportunities that make a positive impact on their lives.” 

For her, being a youth worker is about far more than guidance or supervision. “Being a youth worker means being that emotionally available adult,” she says. “We are that positive role model who empowers young people to believe in themselves and their future.” 

Looking back, Mel has one clear message for anyone considering following a similar path. “Enjoy the journey. You can do it,” she says. “Growth happens in moments of challenge, so stop doubting yourself. You are exactly where you are meant to be.”