Reaching the two-month mark of my traineeship at YO has been both exciting and rewarding. It has provided me with valuable opportunities to learn, grow, and develop new skills.

The overall experience has been incredibly diverse, with no two days being the same. I have had the chance to attend events and school visits, work alongside other team members, complete basic administrative tasks, experiment with communications and socials, and meet both Councillors and Youth Councillors. These experiences have significantly increased my confidence within the role and deepened my understanding of the work we do.

Throughout my traineeship at YO, I have made many strong connections that I am incredibly grateful for. I have had the opportunity to work alongside some amazing people who do incredible things for our city. Being able to sit down with a number of these individuals and gain a deeper understanding of their roles and how they approach their work has been extremely valuable.

One of the biggest things I have learned about myself during this time is that I am a fast learner and a strong networker. This role has allowed me to build on those strengths. I have been able to pick up most tasks quickly, whether that be understanding processes, supporting events, or learning how different city programs operate.

While the study component has probably been the least exciting part of my traineeship, it is still incredibly important. Completing approximately three hours of study each week helps me balance the practical, hands-on experience I gain in my day-to-day work while also expanding my knowledge and understanding why we do what we do.

One of the most rewarding parts of my traineeship at YO has been the youth team itself. My coworkers and supervisor have been incredibly supportive, welcoming, and encouraging, which has made such a positive difference to my experience. They make every day different and full of laughter, learning, care, and support. I truly value being part of an environment where young people feel safe to come together, have their say, and learn new things. Being able to contribute to a space where young people feel supported and heard is something I am extremely proud of.

Overall, my first two months at YO have been an amazing and motivating experience. I am really excited to continue growing in this role and to see what I can achieve moving forward.