Catherine’s Journey into Youth Work with NOW Group

Catherine began working with NOW Group after completing her BA (Combined Hons) in Childhood, Youth and Drama at Liverpool Hope University. Her ambition was to become a Youth Worker, but she had been unable to secure a suitable role. Determined to keep moving towards her goal, Catherine embraced volunteering and further training opportunities, continuing to develop new and transferable skills.

During Catherine's time with NOW Group, and while volunteering with local organisations, she completed her Level 1 Customer Service Academy with LIDL and Level 1 Business Administration Academy. These included a successful work placement at the reception desk in Mid Ulster District Council’s Magherafelt Council Offices and a six-week placement with LIDL, Magherafelt. Catherine has also been a consistent participant in our QUILLS Creative Writing Social Group. 

While Catherine explored how she could apply her skills to other roles and opportunities in the Mid Ulster area, she remained committed to her dream of becoming a Youth Worker. She applied to volunteer with Maghera Youth Centre and successfully progressed from Volunteer Youth Worker to paid Bank Youth Worker. We are delighted that Catherine has now secured a paid part-time Youth Worker role within Maghera Youth Centre. 

“Being with NOW Group since being diagnosed with Autism has helped me to understand who I am and provided me with support. I know how important youth work is because my own youth worker supported me during a hard time, and since then I have always wanted to do the same for others. NOW Group helped me find volunteering opportunities and courses, supported me to achieve my goal, and enabled me to keep learning, as I love to learn no matter what it might be. I would recommend NOW Group to other graduates in similar situations!” Catherine 

Catherine is a fantastic example of what can be achieved by having a dream, staying focused and working consistently towards it. Congratulations, Catherine! We look forward to seeing your career flourish in the youth work sector. 

Learn more about how NOW Group can support you into employment: www.nowgroup.org/training-jobs