BACK PAGE: And this is what I do - Mark McCreesh, specialistadviser, Connexions Direct
Tuesday, April 29, 2003
What do you do? I work 10-hour shift patterns with 30 advisers from a central base in Newcastle upon Tyne. I am a specialist adviser in post-16 education and training. Young people can contact us through the web site, via web chat, email, telephone or text.
What's a typical day? If you're taking on an early shift, you get a briefing handover on calls so far. In between calls, you do web research for information on topics of the day. It's a challenging role because you can take enquiries from modern apprenticeships to homelessness. If I take a call in an area in which I'm not expert, I find out about the problem and then liaise with my colleagues for advice.
What got you the job? I am a qualified NVQ assessor and have taught key skills and basic skills. I have also worked as a vocational assessor and as a cricket coach with young people.
What's the most rewarding aspect of the job? The best thing is having supportive colleagues who all want to go the extra mile for the young person. I would eventually like to become a Connexions personal adviser in a centre, but it feels good to be at the forefront of a new service.
What's the biggest headache? When you are not able to help a young person.
They are always fully in control of the situation so they can hang up any time.
Or they might log out of a web chat if a parent comes into a room. But it's a big step that they know where we are.
