National Apprenticeship Week 2025 - Youth Worker

As part of Apprenticeship Week 2025, Joanne King, 46, a married mum of three, explains why she enjoys her apprenticeship with Bolton Council, in partnership with the University of Greater Manchester

Background

Joanne left school at 16 and went into clerical work, before retaking her GCSE English in her early 20s. She went to college and then Edge Hill University at 24 and qualified as a primary school teacher, a job she did for 10 years.

After she left teaching, Joanne started work at Bolton Council Play and Youth service in 2015 as a casual worker, then in 2017 as a senior worker. In May 2022, she was successful in applying for the Team Leader post and became a manager of the service.

University of Greater Manchester

Joanne joined the Youth Worker (Degree) Apprenticeship course in September 2023, after being asked by her manager if she would like to do it.

Joanne attends university every Monday, learning specific modules linked to youth work and community development that will further develop her knowledge, skills and behaviours to enhance her role. She will also complete a project over the summer period, specifically linked to her practice.

Joanne is due to complete her Apprenticeship in August/September 2026 and the qualification will enable her to manage the youth team and, if she wants to, seek employment within the wider youth work/community development workforce, which could result in a higher paid post in the future.

Praise for the Apprenticeship scheme

Joanne said: “I really enjoy the course and look forward to attending university on Mondays as I am an avid learner and have made some forever friendships.

“Without work supporting me on this course, by allocating time and paying the fees, I would not have been able to do it and progress career wise.

“The university is extremely supportive and my friends on the course are a great source of strength. I am on a course with people who are in similar posts and this enables me to share stories, experiences and knowledge.

“I plan to use my knowledge and skills to help with continuing improvements to our service and support our team to deliver the very best to the young people of Bolton.”

For more information please visit our websites:

Apprenticeships | University of Bolton

If you already have an employer willing to support you on an apprenticeship, please get in touch by emailing apprentices@bolton.ac.uk