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Person sitting on scales balancing work and study
21 Mar, 2024
Embarking on a journey as a youth worker or disability support worker while simultaneously pursuing studies is no small feat. The unique challenges and rewards that come with such roles require a delicate balance between education and practical experience. In this blog post, we'll explore practical tips and offer encouragement to help students successfully navigate this balancing act, making the most of their roles and education. Effective Time Management One of the key skills to master when juggling work and studies is effective time management. Create a realistic schedule that allocates dedicated time for both work and study commitments. Utilise tools like calendars, planners, or productivity apps to stay organized and ensure deadlines are met. Communication with Edmen Service Coordinator Your Edmen Service Coordinator is there to support you on your journey. Regular communication is crucial – keep them informed about your study commitments and work availability. This will help them tailor your work schedule to accommodate your academic responsibilities, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment. Maximising Support and Supervision Sessions (for Youth Workers) Engage actively in support and supervision sessions provided by Edmen. These sessions offer valuable insights, guidance, and a platform to discuss any challenges you may be facing. Share your goals and concerns to receive personalized advice and mentorship, helping you grow both professionally and academically. Leveraging Edmen’s Free Counselling EAP Services As a student juggling work and studies, it's normal to experience stress and pressure. Edmen offers access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP) services, including free counselling sessions. Don't hesitate to reach out when needed; these resources are designed to support your mental well-being, providing a confidential space to discuss any challenges you may be facing. Self-Care Matters Balancing work and studies can be demanding, so prioritize self-care. Allocate time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it's exercising, reading, or spending time with loved ones, taking care of your well-being is essential to maintain a healthy work-study-life balance. Set Realistic Goals Establish achievable short-term and long-term goals. Break them down into manageable tasks and celebrate your accomplishments along the way. This approach will keep you motivated and focused, providing a sense of direction during busy times. Collaborate and Network Connect with fellow students, colleagues, and professionals in the field. Sharing experiences, insights, and tips can be mutually beneficial. Attend networking events or join online communities to expand your support system and gain valuable perspectives. Optimising Work-Life Balance with Edmen's Active App Edmen's Active app streamlines managing your work-life balance. Use it to proactively update your availability, especially during intense study periods or holidays, when your availability may change. By blocking out or updating your schedule in advance, you help your Service Coordinator schedule shifts more efficiently. Utilise University Support Services Remember, your university or educational institution is invested in your success. If you find yourself struggling with the demands of study and work, don't hesitate to reach out for help. Universities and training organisations often offer a range of support services, including study planning, advice, and feedback. Additionally, many institutions provide dedicated well-being services to support students during challenging times. Check with your organisation to explore the available resources and make the most of the support offered to ensure a well-rounded and successful academic journey.  Balancing studies and a career in youth or disability support can be challenging, but with effective time management, open communication, and a focus on self-care, it's entirely possible. Utilise the support available through Edmen and your university or training provider, make the most of supervision sessions, and don't hesitate to access the counselling services provided. Remember, this journey is a learning experience, and each step forward is a step toward both personal and professional growth. Embrace the challenge, stay positive, and enjoy the rewarding journey of making a difference in the lives of others.
By Marlyn Soulakelles 19 Mar, 2024
Let's face it, unpaid placements can create barriers for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. A recent article in the ABC highlighted the case of a social worker student who had to take almost a year off from university just to be able to save up for a 1,000 hour or 10 month placement. Amid a cost of living crisis, this is not an isolated incident. Many students face similar challenges, limiting their access to valuable work experience and potentially hindering their future career prospects. Now under the spotlight, unpaid placements have been flagged as an area in need of serious reform by the largest review of the university sector in decades. Mandatory work placement serves as a cornerstone to many university degrees and courses. Placement hours students are required to complete varies but are significant. For example, to become a Youth Worker is between 120-400 hours. Students studying a certificate in disability support need to complete at least 120 hours. While nursing students need to complete at least 800 hours of placement. Generally, these positions are unpaid. Paying students for their placements is not just the right thing to do; it's also beneficial for employers. Here at Edmen it’s something we’ve committed to. Our Kickstart program supports Queensland students studying a recognised qualification for residential youth work. Under the program, students earn while they learn and get paid for their placement hours, whilst working in a supportive environment with our community service partners. We’ve seen firsthand that paying students to complete their placement hours improves the work that they do. They are more likely to be motivated and committed to their roles, leading to better outcomes for students, service providers and our community at large. It’s my view that Youth Workers are a vital profession in our community and all students should have access to paid placements in much the same way trade students undertake apprenticeships. For this to happen though, serious reform is needed along with more government funding. But while there’s still a lot of work to be done when it comes to making student placements more equitable, we see Kickstart as a step in the right direction. If we want to attract the students that the youth support service sector desperately needs, working for free shouldn’t be a requirement to kickstart careers. Following the success of the Kickstart program, we have launched our Kickstart event series aimed at students and prospective youth workers in regional centres. Our first event will be held in Toowoomba on March 20 th and 21 st at Toowoomba City Library. Register now to secure your free ticket.
Navigating Parenthood and Career
By Nicole Gulevski 29 Feb, 2024
Nicole Gulevski, Operations Manager at Edmen, shares her experience of returning to work after maternity leave.
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