To celebrate National Youth Work Week (November 3-9), we take a deep dive into the subject area with Jess Lafferty, Skills Mentor for Hope’s Youth Work degree apprenticeships.
Having studied the subject at masters level here at Liverpool Hope, Jess now works to support learners and employers to upskill in Youth Work via apprenticeships.
What inspired you to study Youth Work?
My journey into Youth Work was very much inspired by witnessing the power of genuine connection and support. Like many people who find their way into this field, I had some truly significant adults in my life when I was younger who saw potential in me and created a safe space where I felt like I belonged. It wasn't just about them telling me what to do; it was about them being present, listening without judgment, and ultimately empowering me to navigate my own challenges and believe in myself. That feeling of being heard, valued and capable was so important that I was determined to pay it forward.
I realised that Youth Work is an effective way to be that consistent, caring and professional presence for young people, helping them not just to get by, but to genuinely thrive and discover their own capacity to make a brilliant difference in the world. It’s a calling to build relationships that truly matter.
My previous experience working with young people and adults with disabilities further cemented this belief in the need for tailored, holistic support for everyone. Even outside of my current skills coach role, I continue in youth work practice, and I use the core values of youth work to passionately tailor and inform my daily support for apprentices and employers.
I am passionate about Youth Work because we provide support and empower young people to reach their full potential. It’s more than providing guidance, it’s about building genuine relationships that help young people to feel heard, valued and capable, encouraging young people to believe in themselves.
What kind of roles / areas does Youth Work cover?
Youth Work is about building trust and developing voluntary relationships with young people (typically 11-25) to support their personal growth and transition to adulthood. It's a hugely varied field, operating wherever young people are. This can be from youth centres and street-based (detached) work in local communities, to more specialist, targeted programmes addressing specific challenges like mental health, youth offending, or homelessness.
What do you hope that the Youth Work apprentices will get from their time at Hope?
I really hope the Youth Work apprentices have an enjoyable time at Hope! Our main aim is that they gain a strong handle on the essentials - the core knowledge of youth work, the professional values and all the practical skills like reflecting on their work and building great relationships with young people. But just as important, we want them to feel completely supported throughout their journey, knowing they have lots of people rooting for them. We hope they develop that crucial resilience and passion for social justice, and most of all, that they enjoy the process, have some fun along the way, and leave feeling truly confident and ready to make a brilliant difference in the world of youth work.
What kind of businesses are offering apprenticeships?
The Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship (leading to a JNC-recognised professional qualification) is primarily supported by organisations deeply committed to high-quality, professional youth engagement. This includes Local Authorities and Councils, who use the apprenticeship to train workers for their children's services and youth justice teams, and large national charities and Youth Zones who have the scale and funding to secure the next generation of professional staff. This opportunity isn't limited to large bodies; smaller, dedicated local charities, voluntary groups, and social enterprises are also excellent candidates, as the apprenticeship provides a structured way for them to upskill existing, valued workers to meet the highest professional standards. We also see this path in specialist environments like schools, alternative education providers, and health trusts, where the distinct, holistic role of a professional Youth Worker is essential for supporting young people's personal and social development.
What does your role involve?
My role is hybrid, and that’s what makes it so interesting. I'm a Skills Coach working directly with our youth work degree apprentices, but I’m really the link connecting four different worlds. First and foremost, I support the apprentices, helping them develop their skills and navigate the programme. Beyond that, I work closely with their Workplace Mentors to make sure the practical experience aligns with the degree. Then, I liaise with our internal apprenticeship team to handle all the necessary coordination and administration. Finally, I partner with the youth work academic team to ensure the classroom learning is integrated seamlessly with what the apprentices are doing on the ground. It’s a busy role, but the overall aim is to advocate and support the youth work apprentices throughout their apprenticeship journey. I feel that I am well placed to support all parties involved in the apprenticeship journey, due to my own experience and qualifications in the sector. Having studied my masters degree in Youth Work and Community Development here at Liverpool Hope, I not only hold a JNC recognised qualification, I understand what is involved academically and how this best translates into Youth Work practice.
How can you support businesses and learners?
My main goal is to support the businesses (our employers) and the learners (my apprentices). For the apprentices, I provide that direct, one-on-one skills coaching that is vital for their development and success. For the businesses, I offer support primarily through their Workplace Mentors. By collaborating with the mentors, I help ensure the on-the-job training is high-quality and meets the standards of the degree apprenticeship. I make sure the learning isn't just theory or just practice, but a powerful combination of both. By keeping all lines of communication open with the apprenticeship and academic team, I'm ensuring their investment in the apprenticeship programme runs as smoothly and effectively as possible.
What was your own experience of studying here like?
Looking back on my time as a student at Liverpool Hope, where I completed both my undergraduate and masters degrees, it was a genuinely fantastic experience. The university has such a unique feel; it's a smaller, more close-knit community where you really get to know your tutors and classmates, which was great for getting the support I needed, especially during my postgraduate studies.