My summer work experience with London Youth
30 August 2019
Hi, I’m Kaylem, a 15-year-old schoolboy from south London and a member of Dare London, the youth advisory board of London Youth.
I have been on two weeks of work experience with the Communications team at London Youth. During my time here I have been developing a communications plan for the London Youth Awards 2019. Make sure you put it in your diary: Thursday 14th November 2019!
Before I walked in on the Monday, I was expecting a full office packed with people all talking, on the phone, throwing paper in the bin and running to meetings but it was quite the opposite. It was very quiet and reserved, and made me realise the world of work does not have to be hectic!
Working at London Youth has been a pleasure, with lots of talented people working towards one goal and that is support youth clubs for them to support the next generation of Londoners.
I have often wondered to myself, what do these people at London Youth do? So it was fascinating to see behind these closed doors where loads of staff are working tirelessly to keep the youth of London happy. The smile from people’s faces when they know that have completed a task is incredible to see. I worked on the first floor with the Communications, Fundraising and Employability teams and all the people are amazing. I want to say thank you to everyone on the first floor that has supported me for the two weeks I have been here at London Youth!
I spent time with the Youth Action team and was able to attend some amazing masterclasses at Unicef UK and Haptivate. At Unicef we learnt how to use social media and how to create a campaign, and at Haptivate we were taught about well-being and self-care – something that is really important and not enough people think about. The support that I have received from all the London Youth staff has been incredible. I want to thank Harry for putting up with me for 9 Days. He has supported me every day on this amazing journey.
When tasked with the challenge to create a communications plan for a youth-led campaign to support the London Youth Awards 2019, I was excited and looking forward for what would come in store.
It has been challenging to create a campaign plan from scratch, because it is something that I have never done before, I have done a lot of research and reading of organisations and youth work. The next challenge for myself and Dare London is getting the planning into action.
I can’t wait for everyone to see the London Youth Awards 2019! I hope it will be the Oscars of the Youth sector. Put it into your diary Thursday 14th November 2019.
Find out more about our Youth Advisory Board, Dare London, here.
Click here to nominate for this year’s London Youth Awards.
