Connected Youth Apprentice: Rose Keatley

I applied for this role because I had just finished my University degree in Theology and knew that I wanted to gain a little more experience in youth work before I went into full time work. I was searching for something to do in my year after Uni, and at the NUA festival I bumped into last year's connected apprentice, Ellie. She had told me that it was such a good experience to step out of my comfort zone, to grow in skills and confidence in different youth work settings and the chance to grow spiritually. One week later, I had applied to the apprenticeship, had visited the Belfast YMCA building and immediately felt at home.

This year I have been able to work alongside two different teams. With Belfast YMCA I have worked with the Youth Team, learning what goes on behind-the-scenes in youth work, going out to schools or Youth Club. I have been supported every step of the way. It also helps that between work in the office there is always a bit of craic. Or with the CFC team who have helped me grow spiritually and encouraged me when delivering talks in Youth Church and prayed for me diligently throughout my year.

It has also been great to work alongside another Connected Apprentice, Rachel. Coming in on my first day was nerve-racking, but knowing that there was someone else who felt similar to me helped massively. We have been able to encourage and grow alongside each other, which has been a blessing.

This year I have been able to be a part of many different aspects of both Belfast YMCA and CFC South.

My main roles within CFC South are helping with the Kids Club on a Friday night, leading play activities with the children and giving short talks at the front about characters of the Bible. It has been rewarding to pray for the children who come along each week and see their excitement as they enter the doors on a Friday evening. I also lead the Sunday Youth Church talk once or twice a month. This is a space where the young people of the church can have a community of their own age and open God’s Word together. I have loved getting to know each of their personalities and seeing their faith grow each week.

Within Belfast YMCA part of my apprenticeship my roles include, going into secondary schools around Belfast alongside the rest of the Youth Team and delivering the Ubuntu project, a 10 week programme delivered in schools regarding topics such as discrimination, migration and other social issues that young people encounter in their communities. Helping with Youth Club on a Wednesday evening, being a part of the leadership team for a TBUC camp, helping set up a faith based cafe drop-in and learning how to improve my computer skills in order to be involved with session planning and the behind the scenes work of what goes on in Belfast YMCA.

I enjoy being able to throw myself into many different forms of youth work and having a team around me that encourages me to step out of my comfort zone. Before the apprenticeship I was unsure about my strengths in this type of work but I have enjoyed throwing myself into anything and everything that has come up. There has never been a dull moment and there have been many opportunities for me to be a part of something that I would not have had the chance to do if I wasn't doing the apprenticeship.

Since September I have developed massively in my youth work skills and faith development. From having no confidence in myself getting up in front of a room of people, to now leading confidently in classrooms throughout the week. I have developed in ways that you cannot gain from reading about youth work, being thrown into practical situations and learning how to adapt. As well as being able to use my Theology degree in practice at Youth Church I have learnt and developed how to write a youth talk depending on the young people that I lead.

I have been able to develop my organisational skills too, being able to have time in the office to plan what my week looks like and prioritise what needs to be done has been hugely beneficial to me, and this is a skill I can not only take with me to future careers but also in my day-to-day life.

My highlight of this year I would have to say is on a Wednesday night at Youth Club, where I have some great conversations with the young people and have been blessed that I can hear more about their stories and life while sitting with a hot chocolate and this will definitely be the part of the apprenticeship that I will miss the most.

A great opportunity from this year would be the Interns Together programme that I attended, being able to meet people my age and encourage each other both in our individual placements but also in our walk with Jesus. I was able to achieve my Level 2 Youth Work OCN with YouthLink through Interns Together. Also through Interns Together network, I was able to go to Romania for a volunteering week, which was the best experience I could have had.

So, to anyone considering what to do after school or university that wants to develop their leadership skills, faith and all together want to experience what youth work is like I would tremendously recommend this apprenticeship. I have been pushed out of my comfort zone but throughout that I have learnt to be reliant on God and know that He has made me for something greater. You will get to work alongside people who are so passionate about young people but will also invest massively into your growth, and there is always a bit of craic happening. I cannot express how amazing this past year has been and if I could do it all over again I would.