To think I haven't a clue about the issues faced by 'young people' today?

[ElaineLemongarss]

Have an interview for a welfare role at a local FE College next week.

Starting to panic as this now seems way out of my comfort zone, although I have a background long ago in teaching.

Feeling like i haven't actually got a clue what the issues are for young people and feeling really old. Maybe they want somone in their 20s/30s for this job

Getting myself in such a state - i can't even work out the areas I need to be swotting up on.

What are the asking for in the ad?

My initial thought would be changing work place roles/lack of employment. Not so many long term careers any more. YPs need to be prepared for a changing environment and for taking on many workplaces roles in their life time.

Some things I could think of:

• expectation of extensive (unpaid) work experience for a lot of professional jobs
• very little work going
• difficult to find affordable accommodation, living with parents until mid-20s much more common
• transitioning to "being an adult" - how do you pay taxes? How do you unclog a drain? How does holiday pay work? (I still haven't figured that one out)

Cyberbullying, online safety, making your online presence appropriate in case future employers search for you online. Also sexualisation of girls. Maybe the increasing prevalence of cannabis usage amongst younger and younger teens.

Your age is irrelevant. You just have to be compassionate and understand other peoples issues.

Many older people around here don't have clue of the issues facing younger people these days.

• no company men any more, need to expect and know how to move jobs
• need to know how to manage your "public image" now with Facebook, Twitter, Google, etc

Oops, x-posted on both!

An

I work in FE and one of my friends does the job you're describing. Many of the students have problems with attendance and punctuality. Some of these problems are caused by not being able to afford to come to college. She regularly contacts students about their absences and punctuality. She has to know when to contact parents. Sometimes it's really inappropriate to contact parents i.e. because of the student's age or because of their background.

Some of the issues she has to deal with include rape, sexual assault, extreme poverty, hunger, violence within the home, stepparents and the threat of homelessness.

Recently there was a case where a boy was showing signs of psychosis. It was her job then to contact his family and to encourage's mother to take him to a GP.

Obviously you can have quiet periods where the worst that happens is that somebody isn't motivated to work towards his exams but it can be very stressful.

When I worked in a college the biggest issues were abuse; parental abuse, abuse by partners and bullying inside and outside of the premises.

Careers Clinic was separate to welfare in the one I worked at so be careful about mentioning it too much unless it is specified in the ad.
Welfare for us was more to do with the mental and physical wellbeing of students.

When I worked in a college the biggest issues were abuse; parental abuse, abuse by partners and bullying inside and outside of the premises.

Careers Clinic was separate to welfare in the one I worked at so be careful about mentioning it too much unless it is specified in the ad.
Welfare for us was more to do with the mental and physical wellbeing of students.

Finance:
Welfare Benefits - eg. Income Support can be claimed by 18+ while in FE.
Job Centres have a specific adviser for 16-17 year olds.
What bursaries are offered by the college and who is eligible.

Ability to communicate with/signpost to other service:
eg. There will probably be Looked After Children and Care Leavers at the college so you may need to speak with Social Services.
Knowledge of local drug/alcohol services, local contacts if rape/sexual assault is disclosed.
Local CAB information.

I work with Care Leavers and deal with colleges :)

I'm a youth worker and I would agree with a lot of the sensible practical suggestions given by posters such as vettles, book fairy and others. I also wanted to add that one of my youth worker colleagues retired this month - he is much missed by young people and was excellent at engaging with them. Although most of my colleagues are in their 30s, age shouldn't be important in getting the young people to engage. Good luck with your interview!

Everything everybody else has said plus depression, self harm, eating disorders, fear of failure, pregnancy, sexual assault, drugs and alcohol. The dark side!

good advice here - I work with young people 13-25 and I am an old bag of 44

Pretty much what they all said ^^ covers it

welfare will mainly be dealing with financial issues but you will need an awareness of other agencies and signposting/referral procedures

Age isn't a massive issue - in a role like yours and mine young people aren't looking for a mate they need a supportive, informed adult who can empathise and help

Oh I should have added, coming out as gay and self harm. It's been surprising how much self harm there's been amongst boys, too.