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Youth & Community Work has boosted my confidence for a change in career

, Youth & Community Work has boosted my confidence for a change in career, CARDIFF MET BLOG
, Youth & Community Work has boosted my confidence for a change in career, CARDIFF MET BLOG

Hi my name is Phil Jones and I am studying the PgD/MA in Youth and Community Work. I am currently embarking on a new career path as a Resource Training Manager which is a far cry from working at Ariva Trains, which I have done for the last fifteen years.

During my time on the rail I became an effective trade union representative. I dealt with issues on a local basis first before progressing to representing union members on a national scale from all different train operating companies. I was then asked by the union if I would teach others and it was here my academic journey began. I studied a post 14 teacher’s qualification and an Honours degree in Education and Professional Development. From my studies I learnt a craft, a skill I love, and values based on social purpose education, which then led me to studying the PgD / MA Education: Youth and Community Work course at Cardiff Met.

At first I wasn’t sure, but after chatting to Senior Lecturers Jan Huyton and Cez James, I realised this course was for me. From my initial meetings to throughout my studies, I have been encouraged, supported and empowered by the academic team and any fears or doubts I had disappeared. I wouldn’t have been able to achieve what I have done so far without the support of my tutors. They have been fantastic. What really surprises me is that MA students at Cardiff Met are seen as colleagues, rather than students and this works with me.

I never set out to be studying in an academic setting. My teachers in school didn’t think I would amount to anything. For me school embedded many horrid memory’s, with awful grades, and bad attendance. So to be in the position of being a postgraduate student still astounds me!

Whilst studying at Cardiff Met, I have seen a remarkable change in me for the better. I am more confident in my work, and as a result I have been visiting educational establishments as a guest speaker to talk to students who are studying various different courses. But the resounding message is the same, goals are achievable, barriers can be overcome, as well as ‘slipping in sociology’. A favourite saying of mine is ‘Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all’ (Aristotle). For me the theory on the course has always been a plus, as well as the debate.

, Youth & Community Work has boosted my confidence for a change in career, CARDIFF MET BLOG
The exposure to community practice as part of the Youth and Community course has tied in nicely and has enhanced my practice tenfold.

As part of the course, I have been fortunate to attend placement in my local Pupil Referral Unit (PRP). This has been an instrumental learning curve for me, as most of my knowledge has been theory based, so experience within a practical environment has been tremendous. Whilst in the PRU, I have been able to work with young people on a one to one basis as well as in a group setting, delivering modules. For me the PRU wasn’t an extreme as this is like my own background so I had an understanding of the environment. The challenges I faced were that of having a teacher’s background, coming into a youth environment where practices vary. Yet after time the reason for those practices become apparent. So, it was about being open to new methods of working. I enjoyed meeting and learning from the team and developing relationships with people.

Whilst a lot of my learning has been centred around education, the exposure to community practice as part of the Youth and Community course has tied in nicely. I am now more mindful of the other side, and the issues faced by young people and communities. I believe this has enhanced my practice tenfold.

It has been hard to juggle studying, a full-time job as well as parental responsibilities. But it’s a journey I would never want to change. I am grateful to the people who have helped me along the way, its life changing. I would recommend anyone to try. For me my life now has more options, and hopefully one day I will be able to pass that learning on to others, just as it was for me.