Hearing From Our Trainees

Jamar- Sports Trainee

I joined Salmon Youth Centre as a Sports Trainee to gain more experience in youth work while using sport to positively engage young people. Over the last four months at Salmon, I’ve grown in confidence, responsibility, and my ability to engage and support young people through sport. I’ve also developed my communication skills and a understanding in youth work in a sports setting. I have really enjoyed being able to use sport to engage young people, support them, and be part of a positive team environment.

I hope to gain valuable experience in youth work, improve my leadership skills, and learn how to use sport to positively support young people. My plan is to keep developing my skills in youth work and sport and progress into a long-term role in the sector, also gaining more qualifications.

Daniel- Youth Work Trainee

I was offered a position in salmon as a youth work trainee in November 2025 after being recommended by my previous manager in XLP. This placement has helped me to develop my youth work skills as well as build confidence in myself as a youth worker, though there is still more I have to learn.
I would say I have regrown in my confidence and my skills in being a youth worker. I believe I have developed in my mindset when it comes to assisting young people in finding a fix for the barriers and obstacles in their way without giving them the answer. I have enjoyed all the different activities that Salmon offers but what I have enjoyed the most has to be the young people asking “Daniel, what are we doing today?” Giving me a chance to recommend all of the opportunity’s salmon presents. Just a few words help them brighten up my day with I am simply hoping to hone my skills in youth work and possibly expand them to greater levels. I have made this possible so far by learning from my coworkers, my managers and my fellow trainees.

My plans for the future are to take in all the knowledge and experience I possibly can during my time at salmon and use it in a youth work setting whether it may be at Salmon or in a different youth centre.