Josh Hosker comes from Creselley,Pembrokeshire, and previously attended Castle School there before becoming a Level 3 Youth Work apprentice with Pembrokeshire County Council. Josh was nominated by his assessor Nia, who said that Josh ‘has overcome many obstacles during his apprenticeship; he’s had great support from his workplace, and Ani, our Essential Skills tutor, has been on hand to support Josh with that element of his apprenticeship. The effort he’s put in has been wonderful to see, he has a great sense of humour and I really enjoy my visits to Pembrokeshire.’
Steve Lewis, Josh’s line manager added ‘Congratulations, Josh! Despite a few setbacks along the way, you’ve shown real character and commitment to making such strong progress on your Youth Work course. This is a fantastic achievement and it’s important that you take the time to celebrate it. Keep up the same dedication and effort moving forward — you’re clearly on the right path. Da iawn / Well done!’
Why did you decide to take a Youth Work apprenticeship with the Urdd?
I’ve always liked helping people and have always been told that I’m good at giving advice and supporting people. I'd just moved home after living away for a bit and was looking for a new opportunity. My aunt shared a post with me for an apprenticeship in Youth Work and urged me to apply and I felt that it would be a good idea,and here I am now.
What do you enjoy most about your job and how does the apprenticeship effect your job?
I enjoy talking to and supporting young people, trying to make their lives better, even if it’s just for the day. I also enjoy building strong impactful relationships with young people and the apprenticeship has helped me to do my job better, as well as to learn skills I didn’thave before.
How has doing the apprenticeship developed your Welsh skills?
I’ve found that my Welsh skills have improved during my apprenticeship and it’s made me realise how much Welsh I actually know.
What are your interests outside the workplace?
My main interest outside of work is traveling. I’ve recently visited Japan, where I managed to incorporate some of my other interests, likeJapanese culture, video games and modified Japanese cars. I also spend my free time watching films, climbing, walking and going to concerts.
In which way does completing an apprenticeship effect your personal development?
It has given me a strong sense of achievement for completing a challenging, yet rewarding apprenticeship.
What do you hope to do after completing your apprenticeship?
I hope to continue to work in the Youth Work sector in the future and I've been told that I’ll be able to continue working as a seasonal Youth Worker where I am now. I hope to continue in the Youth Work sector and specifically continue working in the Youth Clubs in Haverfordwest and Pembroke.
Describe your responsibilities.
I’m responsible for supporting other Youth Workers in their roles, as well as being responsible for myself as an apprentice Youth Worker, learning as I go along.I try to be a responsible role model for young people and to be someone people can talk to when I’mthere.
Describe your experience of completing the apprenticeship with the Urdd in 3 words!
Challenging, rewarding and interesting
Would you like to add anything about your story? How have you reached where you are now? What was/is your biggest challenge?
I’ve always struggled with confidence, as well as academically. By undertaking this apprenticeship, especially within Youth Work, I've gained confidence as I've had to step out of my comfort zone and face challenges and situations I’ve never faced before. The fact thatI've been able to deal with these challenges shows how much I’ve grown as a person. I’m coming towards the end of my apprenticeship now, I’d fallen quite far behind at one point, but I've pushed through, can see the end coming, and I’m proud to have overcome my challenges.