Rob Watkins, specialist reintegration youth worker, Buckinghamshire County Council/Connexions

It takes a special skill to track them down, build a relationship and help them change their lives. And that’s where Rob Watkins come in. As specialist reintegration worker, he finds out where these young people are, knocks on their door and offers help.

He can offer personal advice and group work opportunities, access to five-day Re:Gener8 courses to help change their outlook on life, and ultimately support in accessing education and training opportunities.

He initially trained as an actor, later specialising in theatre in education before the route led to youth work and a full-time post as an outreach worker. “The things I’ve learned from acting have really helped,” says Watkins. “I use a lot of drama techniques - from the importance of eye-contact and body language to the ability to role-play.” 

It’s demanding but rewarding work. “Most of the young people we work with have spent two or three years not doing much except feeling crap,” says Watkins.

“It’s not easy to change that. But I remember one lad had very low self-esteem and was agoraphobic, trapped in his own house. After going on two of our courses, he decided he actually wanted to work in the outdoors and now he’s at college studying horticulture. Last time I saw him, we couldn’t shut him up. That’s when you think “job well done”.

Of course, not every case is a success and with the government setting stringent targets, it can be dispiriting when you get six knock-backs in a row. But even on the worst days, says Watkins, he knows he is slowly making a difference.

So any thoughts of moving into management? “Never say never, but for now I feel I’ve found my niche – I really enjoy  the contact with young people.”

My day

9am – Into the office, check emails, follow-up any referrals.