A chat with Hanna Lois

APPRENTICE OF THE MONTH - December 2019

Hanna lives on a farm in Cefn Meiriadog near Llannefydd. She went to Ysgol Brynhyfryd and then did a sports degree at Bangor University. After graduating, Hanna had thought about going straight to doing a PGCE course, but after seeing the opportunity to do a Youth Work apprenticeship with the Urdd, she decided to go for it in order to gain a variety of experiences. The opportunity has given her a taste of a teacher-like role working with children and young people on a day-to-day basis and has helped her consider different options for her future. Read on to find out more about Hanna's work as a Youth Work apprentice in Denbighshire!

What do you enjoy most about your work as a Youth Work Apprentice?

I really enjoy seeing children and young people laughing and enjoying my different sessions, but what I enjoy most is the dance clubs I run. I think this is because I get to use my dance choreography skills and teach all the ideas and techniques I've learned over the years to the children and young people. I love seeing young dancers blossom as performers and develop their dancing skills from week to week.

What's your day to day duties?

I organize and run a variety of different sports, arts and crafts and games sessions in various locations during and after school hours for children and young people ages 8 to 25. 

How important is it to do your apprenticeship through the medium of Welsh?

As well as the fact that being able to speak Welsh opens many doors to the future, I feel most comfortable speaking my first language in the workplace. The ability to provide my work through the medium of Welsh to second language children is an important part of my role as a youth work apprentice. I'm pleased that I can encourage young people to use the Welsh language and support learners to use the Welsh language when chatting with me.

What are your interests outside of work?

Well, as a farm girl, farming is one of my main interests including horse riding and showing my horses and sheep at agricultural shows. I’m also a creative person, dancing in all media since I was three and have competed in the Urdd National Eisteddfod on an annual basis with disco / hip-hop / street dance. I’ve also recently starting clog dancing and competed at the National Eisteddfod this year. I'm a member of Aelwyd Llangwm and Uwchaled YFC. I'm also busy using my arts and crafts interest in my new small business - Geiriau Melys.

How has doing the apprenticeship affected your personal development?

I'm more confident in the company of young people and my ability to communicate comfortably with them and their parents has improved a lot. I feel able to use the pedagogical work I learned at university in my sports sessions highlighting the element of fun.

Describe your experience of doing an apprenticeship with the Urdd in 3 words!

Fun, Interesting, Chock-a-Block!