The joy of working in education: ‘Helping to inspire the youth of today is such an amazing feeling’
FFION EVANS LOVES HER JOB HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE DEVELOP THROUGH APPRENTICESHIPS
TAKING on a role that gives her the opportunity to inspire the youth of today has been a win-win situation for Ffion Evans. It is not just about playing her part in their development; she gets huge satisfaction from her job helping to facilitate life-changing opportunities for young people.
Ffion started her career in education as a teaching assistant at Ysgol Tre-Gib - now Ysgol Bro Dinefwr - in her hometown of Llandeilo. Three years ago she decided it was time for a change, and jumped at the opportunity to get a job in work-based learning.
She joined the apprenticeship department of the voluntary youth organisation Urdd Gobaith Cymru as a national apprenticeship coordinator and has now risen to become a manager based out of its Llanishen office.
Her role involves managing staff who guide individuals through the apprenticeship programme, where they pick up new skills and a qualification while gaining experience in a workplace before finding a permanent job or progressing to the next level apprenticeship.
Ffion gets to see the young people she works with grow in confidence as they take on new challenges and learn new skills, something she says she relishes.
“There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships beyond learning,” she said.
“They learn how to work together as a team and get to speak to other apprentices who have had different experiences to them. They learn from those experiences and take those skills with them to future job roles.
“It’s a great feeling - not only for them as learners but for me too. I love seeing how they develop from their first day at the beginning of the programme to the day they finish. They leave with a level two or level three qualification, and that sets them in good stead for their future.”
The people Ffion has worked with have changed her too. One, she says, had such a passion for widening her knowledge that it encouraged Ffion to broaden her own horizons. Another started off shyly but ended up excelling at public speaking as an ambassador for the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol.
“Their development is amazing thanks to the opportunities they get,” she said. “We all work together at the Urdd, as well as with our external partners. We have the same objective, which is to give them the best opportunities they can get through us. To see them achieve that is amazing.”
‘Take The opportunities that are There To work in education’
Alongside helping others to reach their potential, Ffion has been able to progress her own career by gaining new qualifications on the job. This has helped her become more versatile as an educator, which in turn also benefits the young people she works with.
Her advice for anyone considering a career in education or training is to go for it.
“Working in education or training is so fulfilling,” said Ffion. “You are educating the youth of today. It is such an amazing feeling, and there are loads of opportunities there.
“We work in schools, so teaching assistants and learning support staff can benefit from our apprenticeship programmes as well. Having the opportunity to inspire the youth of today and see them grow from stage one to the end of the process is amazing, there’s nothing else like it.
“And the opportunities for progression are great as well. As a professional, I like to develop myself, learn new things and feel everyone in the sector has the same values - to inspire everyone.”
a pathway To a career in education or Training
Inspired by Ffion’s story? A career in education and training can be incredibly rewarding, with excellent job satisfaction and opportunities for growth and development. Whether you’re looking to start a new career in education and training, or you’re moving on to the next stage in your education career, you can access information, training and career opportunities through Educators Wales.
No matter where you are on your journey, Educators Wales can help you to discover the wide range of education and training careers across Wales – from roles in schools and colleges, to work-based learning, youth work and adult education – with expert advice and training available to help you reach your potential. Through the website, you can also view live job vacancies and upload your CV so potential employers can find you.
To find out more about careers in education and training across Wales, head to educators.wales/jobs.