Graduates return to inspire students during employability week

As part of their annual Employability Week in January, the Centre of Childhood, Youth and Education at University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) held a graduate evening to showcase what past students have gone on to do.

In an online event, alumni of UWTSD’s Early Years, Youth and Community and Education Studies programmes were invited back to share their graduate stories.

They talked about their journeys since leaving UWTSD, what careers or further study opportunities they have pursued, and shared how they believe their degrees have led them to where they are now.

Presenting to a virtual room of current students of Childhood, Youth and Education programmes, this was a chance for students of the past to inspire and provide ideas and insight into the potential opportunities ahead of our future graduates.

Alumni showcased a variety of careers and progression paths, including pursing PGCEs and masters degrees, working in schools as an Education Welfare Officer, in lecturing roles in further and higher education, working for police forces, charities and education recruitment agencies.  

Among the graduates speaking was Ellie Jones, 2019 alumna of BA Youth and Community Work who now works as a Detective Constable for a police force.

“I had a variety of incredible experiences whilst studying Youth and Community Work at UWTSD that have led me where I am today. From placement opportunities with a number of organisations, to spending a semester abroad studying in Canada.  

“The skills and knowledge I gained from these experiences have been invaluable and I’ve been able to them to use daily in my work with charities and now as a Detective Constable.”

Ellie’s advice to current students was to “grab the opportunities that come your way as they can really open your eyes and doors.”

Also presenting was Samuel Jones, a 2014 graduate of BA Education Studies, who shared:

“Now working for an education recruitment agency, I can say that without a doubt, the knowledge I gained from the course has helped me progress within my company and gain promotions.  

“Having an understanding of the curriculum and teaching theories through the course, plus experience of teaching as I gained my PGCE after my first degree, I am able to build good relationships with stakeholders in schools and have an impact. They trust that I’m not just someone who works in recruitment, that I have the degree that’s given me the expertise.”

Karen Llewellyn is a 2018 graduate of BA Early Years Education and Care and is now lecturing Childcare at Gower College Swansea, as well as studying MA Children’s, Young People’s and Community’s Services here at UWTSD. She said:

“After running my own childminding business for over 12 years I developed a greater interest for child development so decided I would complete a degree in Early Years. I was so inspired by the lecturers.

“My degree helped me progress to a full-time lecturing role in the college and now, not only am I able to pass my knowledge on to those I’m teaching, but I have a greater understanding of the teaching styles that suit different learners. I’m able to put this to practice in my role and make a difference to my students, including helping them progress in their studies. I have of course and have sent many in the direction of UWTSD!”

In relation to the impact that these types of events can have on the student experience, where current students meet and hear from alumni, Ross Phillips, Lecturer at Centre for Childhood, Youth and Education said:

“The event demonstrated to students how flexible their degrees can be. They-re not pigeonholed into having to follow a specific path.

“There are opportunities to take the skills and knowledge that they develop and utilise them in a wide range of areas. It’s hugely important for an undergraduate student to understand where their degree can take them and realise that during their studies and beyond, perspectives and interests can change.”

Alumni interested in returning to their areas of study should get in touch with the Alumni Relations Officer on alumni@uwtsd.ac.uk 

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996