Learning Coaches

Cymraeg

Josh Klein, Transition Youth Worker , Monmouthshire County Council,

Who are your typical clients?

Primarily 15-17-year-olds during the transition phase from Year 11 into FE (college or training).

What do you do all day?

I work in schools, Coleg Gwent campuses and other support agencies such as the youth service, offering personal and learning support to young people to assist them in their transition.

What's the best bit of your job?

The young people! Seeing them grow and develop and achieve their goals is really rewarding, expecially if they've had a bit of a hard ride getting there. It makes you feel really proud.

Are there any downsides?

Sometimes things the young people can come up with are shocking, and that makes me quite sad.

What are your work history highlights?

Apart from my current role my favourite would be designing and delivering alternative programmes as part of Youth Access, and delivering basic skills.

What is your dream job?

To be rich and famous for no reason, like a male Paris Hilton! Failing that a TV presenter, editor of Heat magazine ... or a wrestler!

What do you like to do in your leisure time?

I'm trying to get fit but that doesn't take up as much of my leisure time as it should!

Which modules have you done so far?

All five.

What do you hope to get out of the course?

What have you got out of the course so far?

It's helped me expand my knowledge base of ways to support learners' learning, and has helped clarify the role of learning coach and how it fits in with what I do.

How has the course improved your work with young people?

I have been able to work with them to develop their independent learning skills and identify skills that affect their learning, such as time management and learning styles.