Erin comes from Cardiff and she is working towards a Level 3 Youth Work Apprenticeship, she works for the Urdd and is Newport’s Youth Officer. She was nominated for Apprentice of the Month by her Essential Skills tutor for working so hard towards her Digital Literacy and Numeracy qualifications. She has committed fully and has shown dedication to succeed.
Why did you decide to take apprenticeship with the Urdd?
I decided to take an apprenticeship with the Urdd because it helps me with my day to day duties, where I can gain experience and knowledge with regard to working with young people. For example, I run 1:1 sessions with young people and the Youth Work Apprenticeship has helped me to deal with situations and understand how to support young people better.
In what way has developing your (Numeracy, Communication or Digital Literacy) skills added towards your apprenticeship?
I think I have developed a number of skills since starting my apprenticeship, especially my Digital Literacy. This course has helped me- develop new skills that I use from day to day with in my work, for example Canva. I use this a lot to create posters, videos and presentations to advertise our activities and trips.
Numeracy – this has always been a challenging subject since I was small. Sioned has helped me a lot in our 1:1 sessions where I have developed my numeracy skills and my confidence has grown as a result of this. I feel much more confident since starting these sessions. At the moment I am preparing for my invigilated task.
I have developed a number of communication skills since starting my job within the Urdd,my confidence being the main one. Within my role I have to arrange trips and activities for young people. I also attend school assemblies in Newport. I feel much more comfortable doing this now.
What do you enjoy most about your job and how has improving your Essential Skills helped?
I enjoy my job as a Youth Worker at the Urdd in the Newport area, this is a new area for me and I am enjoying getting to know the area and the community. My favourite thing is arranging and attending trips for young people. Improving my Essential Skills has definitley helped with all of this.
What does completing your apprenticeship in Welsh mean to you?
I am really proud!
I come from an English speaking family so developing my confidence in using the Welsh language is important.
In what way has making Essential Skills part of your Apprenticeship effected your personal developement?
I feel that the Essential Skills has had an effect on my personal development through developing new skills and knowledge as I’ve progressed. Sioned has been so supportive and patient throughout my numeracy qualification and my understanding is so much clearer - I understand so much more now.
What do you hope to do after completing your apprenticeship?
Develop my understanding and skills further within the youth and community sector.
Describe your experience of doing Essential Skills with the Urdd in three words?
Supportive, Confident, Understanding.