THE LIFE OF A SWYM TRAINEE
You can get involved as a youth worker by becoming a SWYM trainee or associate. SWYM runs a number of training course in theology, mission, and youth work. SWYM will work with you to find the most appropriate course and a youth work role in the South West. This hands-on youth work may be urban or rural, working with a single church or a joint church project, whether concentrating on schools work or church based work.
"The year with SWYM was probably the most amazing experience in my life (so far). It is indeed like a family. I enjoyed every single Conference and can't believe my first year is already over. Cluster was always fun and a good opportunity to pray for/with each other as well as to share stories over a meal. I think I have never grown so fast in my faith. Doing Ministry in such a well supported environment is a privilege and I am glad I am staying on." Sarah, Exeter
As a SWYM trainee you are based in a local project/church where you will work with them in reaching young people. This will usually be within a team. The work itself varies from place to place, some focusing more on schoolswork, some on youth cafes, and others on discipling young people. Within your work you will have a SWYM Area Co-ordinator who is there to support you. You will meet with them at least once a week at a cluster group and at other times on a one-to-one basis. There are the conferences every other month.
"Since starting SWYM, I have met people who are a real encouragement and support to me, both generally and spiritually. What I love most about SWYM is the fact that although we are dotted all around the South West, there is a sense of family and closeness with each other. I have paritcularly appreciated the support from my cluster, where I have found real accountability, and opportunities to celebrate the amazing things God is doing, both in our personal lives and in our youth work. SWYM has given me the chance to work with some amazing young people, and has definitely helped me to develop me relationship with God further. I feel blessed to be a part of it." Jemma, Plymouth
Schools work can be anything from running lunch time games or Christian Union type clubs, to lesson and assembly input, to hanging out with kids and taking part on school trips and residentials, to lesson support of individuals with specific needs and involvement in your specialist areas, be they drama, sport, science, music or languages. Community and church based work means youth clubs, bible studies, events, socials, weekends away, in fact anything you can think of. There will always be space given for you to try out things that interest you and to develop things that you have a passion for whether they are football outreach to jam making!!
"Over the past 7 months we have been stretched and challenged in our personal walk with God and in the way we live our lives. We have been taught many lessons on being Christ like and putting others first. Our outlook has completely changed and we are in a far better place spiritually than when we began SWYM. We both enjoy a challenge, and doing youthwork definitely provides that at times it is hard but the entire SWYM team offer the support you need. The training provided by SWYM at conference and our weekly clusters have been so good and rich in teaching that we have been so blessed and this has been the highlight of our time in SWYM. As a married couple it has been been fanatastic to be able to work together for God and would really recommend SWYM to other married couples! For anyone thinking of trying SYWM - DO IT! It's one of the best things we have done in our lifetime!" Ray and Becky, St Ives, Cornwall
The training courses are designed to be a practical as possible; training takes around 8 hours a week, leaving 32 hours to be involved in hands on youth work. If you have already had training, but are looking for support, resources, and some informal training then you can become an associate. Associates can choose the level of input that they would like at Conference, but are still part of a cluster for support from other youth workers.
"SWYM has been a place i can disscuss, challenge and grow in my faith and also my knowledge of youth work. Meeting up and talking with other youth workers has been a great boost and way to gather new ideas." Adam, Kilmington, Devon