Youth work can help young people understand their potential, navigate challenges and build a future they feel confident about. For youth worker Jamie Foster, understanding the experiences behind each young person’s story is central to his role, and a degree apprenticeship at the University of Sunderland has helped him take that understanding further.
Following the National Youth Agency’s Youth Work Week 2026, which explored the theme Where Futures Begin, Jamie’s experience highlights the importance of investing in the people who support young people to thrive and the difference that continued professional development can make.
Jamie is a Youth Work and Programmes Coordinator at NE Youth, where he began his career as a Level 3 youth work apprentice. Keen to build on his practical experience, he progressed to the University of Sunderland’s Community and Youth Work degree apprenticeship.
For Jamie, one of the biggest benefits has been understanding the theory behind youth work and how it can inform his everyday practice.
“Being able to understand the theory on a deeper level and be more critical in terms of my work has helped me understand why a young person may be acting the way they are, and how I should approach a certain situation,” he said.
By looking beyond behaviour and considering the wider circumstances that can shape a young person’s experiences, Jamie has developed a more informed approach to his work. It is knowledge he can put into practice when planning programmes, supporting young people and responding to their individual needs.
The apprenticeship has also helped Jamie overcome self-doubt and feel more confident in his professional judgement. Earlier in his career, he sometimes questioned whether he had the knowledge or experience to contribute his perspective. Through his studies, he has developed a stronger understanding of the profession and greater confidence in sharing his views.
“I’ve lost that feeling of being inadequate to someone with more experience. I feel like I can hold my own, now I’ve got the knowledge to back up the points I’m making.”
That confidence has benefits beyond Jamie’s own development. In his role at NE Youth, he has shared his learning and supported colleagues, including those who are newer to the profession.
Jamie credits the support of both NE Youth and the University’s programme team throughout his apprenticeship. He has particularly valued learning alongside other youth work professionals, who bring different experiences from other youth work organisations into the classroom.
“The lecturers were just so easy to communicate with and they understood the students, the cohort and what we were wanting to achieve.”
For NE Youth, Jamie’s achievement is also something to celebrate. Gemma Lockyer Turnbull, Deputy CEO of NE Youth, said:
“I’m incredibly proud of Jamie for completing his Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship. It’s a fantastic achievement and a real testament to his hard work, dedication and commitment to his professional development. The support he’s received from the University of Sunderland has been invaluable, and it’s wonderful to see the positive impact of this partnership between higher education and the youth sector.”
Reflecting on Youth Work Week and its theme, Where Futures Begin, Jamie’s story highlights the importance of investing in the people who support young people to thrive. By giving youth workers opportunities to develop their knowledge, confidence and skills, we can strengthen the support available to young people and help them shape their futures.
If you are an employer looking to explore a degree apprentice for your team or a Youth Worker interested in finding out more for you, you can join the University of Sunderland’s online information session and hear all about the programme here: Register your interest | University of Sunderland
