Our Learner’s experience

Name: Kathleen Katuszka

Course: Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice

Role: Lead Youth Worker

Organisation: Young Bristol

Area you work in?

“Stockwood, Bristol. Delivering open access and targeted youth club session to young people aged 8-18.”

Why did you want to do the qualification?

“I enjoy education so studying something relevant to my work made sense. I also wanted the validation that what I had been doing for many years was correct and that I could polish up any skills that needed it.“

Did you enjoy the course?

“I really enjoyed the course, it was a great challenge and I was able to apply all my learnings to my job. It was good learning from others on my course who work in different areas and being able to lean on Ternaya experience made the course even more interesting.“

What did you learn from the course?

“It was a good validation of my current skills but I was also able to pick up tips and alternative ways of handling situations from Ternaya and my peers.”

Did you have any struggles and if so, how did you overcome them?

“A little, there were times that I wasn’t sure if I understood the learning outcomes or tasks but being able to contact Ternaya and ask for further support or show her my work so far and ask for feedback, made overcoming challenges easier. It also helped that we had a group chat for the course, so we could lean on each other and support each other.”

What impact has completing the course had on you and your work with young people?

“It has made me more confident in my practices and the way I handle situations. It has also inspired my to keep challenging myself and my team. I am now looking into completing the next levels and working towards a degree!”

Employer’s experience

Name: Lisa Snowdon-Carr

Role: Chief Exec

Organisation: 2BU Somerset

Why did you want your staff to do their qualification in youth work?

“We wanted to offer the 2BU team the opportunity to gain formal qualifications in youth work to enhance their knowledge and skills, ensuring they could provide the best support possible for the young people we work with.”

Has their practice changed / improved since doing the course?

“Yes, absolutely. Our qualified staff are confident in creating tailored support plans and facilitating group sessions that are inclusive and engaging. They are able to engage young people, manage group dynamics and support individuals.”

What impact has completing the course had on the staff who have completed it, and on the organisation?

“Completing the course has had a really positive impact both on our staff and 2BU as a whole. The 2BU Team are now more skilled, motivated and confident in their roles, which directly benefits the young people we support. This has also strengthened our organisation, allowing us to offer more effective service and better outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people.

One of the most rewarding points to note is that some of the young people we work with now see youth work as a potential career path. Seeing staff members who share their identities and lived experiences succeed in youth work has inspired them to consider this profession.”