I didn't set out to be a youth worker, it just sort of happened.
One minute I was doing a bit of voluntary work at my local youth club and the next thing I know I'm a principal youth officer.
Some people have a carefully worked out career path, but I seem to have had more of a stumble up a dark alley. I must admit things did start off differently. When I left school I really wanted to be a graphic designer.
I applied for a place at a local college and was invited to go for an interview and take along my portfolio of work. And that was where my would-be career in graphics came to a premature end. I didn't even know what a portfolio was, let along actually have one to take along.
I had never met a graphic designer before or even set foot inside a studio.
I'd had no decent advice or guidance at school, and no-one had explained how important it was to build up a folder of work. So I wasn't what you would call well prepared. In the end, I just took along some stuff that I did the night before. And guess what? I didn't get in.
So it was back to the drawing board for me, although not literally this time, as I never did pull together a proper portfolio of work.
A couple of days ago, I was talking to a young woman called Rachel who has set her sights on becoming a barrister. But, like me, Rachel's only experience of the legal system is a daily episode of Judge Judy on UK Living. I was really disappointed to hear that Rachel is off to her old primary school for her work experience placement. When I asked her why she wasn't doing something related to law the answer was simple enough.
There wasn't anything like that on the list.
Talking to Rachel made me realise that we've still got a long way to go. Careers advice needs to be far more proactive and targeted if we're to help young people break into careers that are outside the experience of their family or friends. After all, the sky should be the limit for all young people.
- Michael Bracey is principal youth officer for Southend-on-Sea Borough Council, michael.bracey@haynet.com.
