What does it look like to be a Children and Youth Apprentice within the Diocese of Southwark? For our apprentices, every week is a blend of prayer, people, learning and service. Apprentices spend time working in their parish, as well as one day a week, training online with Ridley Hall and having personal study time for their Higher Education level 4, qualification in Theology, Mission and Ministry. Each week they grow in confidence and calling.
To get a real sense of the journey, Louisa Ley, Apprentice Coordinator, caught up with Matthew Fernandes, an apprentice placed at St Paul’s, Kingston. Here’s a glimpse into his week and what he’s been learning along the way.
A week in the life of an Matthew, Children and Youth Apprentice
No two weeks look the same, but they all hold a rhythm of worship, learning, community and service. Matthew describes his typical day “A few times a week we have the worship meeting or prayer meeting in the morning, then after this once a week we have a staff meeting where we talk about the past week, plus as a team we’re reading a book together on discernment, which I am really enjoying and challenging in a good way. After that I meet with Gen, my line manager and Ben the Youth Worker, to check in and plan ahead.” From preparing for youth events to planning for camps in the new year, Apprentices quickly step into real ministry. “Gen lets me know all the upcoming youth events and then we plan together. We’re already thinking about Christmas and the youth weekend away in February.”
There’s also space for theological growth. Apprentices spend time studying and applying scripture to everyday ministry. “Theological reflection was new to me, but really interesting, using scripture to influence everyday experiences, reflecting on what’s happened and it’s helped me to ask myself daily, ‘how can I bring God more into this?’”
Serving young people and seeing God at work
One of Matthew’s highlights has been joining the Monday night youth Bible study, “Seeing the young people grow in friendship and in knowledge of the Lord has been amazing. I help lead discussions, and I revise the material beforehand so I can support.” He has been working with 14–18-year-olds, journeying alongside them as they explore faith together. Sometimes, God sends encouragement in unexpected moments. Matthew shared about a recent conference he went to with the church team. “A fellow apprentice prayed for me, that I’d be intentional in faith and guiding youth. It was really encouraging. One of those moments where you really feel God at work.”
Community, mentoring and support
Youth work at St Paul’s isn’t just in the church. There’s community outreach in the parish school and a local community. Matthew speaks warmly of his placement in the community, “I feel I have a really good dynamic with the staff and youth. I’ve really got to know people around the church.” He especially values the support from his parish team, “Gen and Ben encourage me a lot.” Mentoring meetings and check-ins offer guidance, prayer and accountability, while corporate worship grounds the week. “The Tuesday worship-focused meeting and the Wednesday prayer time are amazing, but also I have been encouraged to have times of silence to reflect when things get busy.”
Training for the future
Alongside ministry experience, apprentices build a portfolio of skills, develop ministry habits and although a few years away yet, they start preparing for next steps – whether youth ministry, church leadership, or other callings. Matthew is excited about what’s ahead, “I feel really confident and excited just to get into the role and grow.” He’s already planning and serving, helping with discipling young people in the everyday rhythms of church life.
Serving with all our hearts
Becoming an apprentice isn’t simply about learning what to do. It’s about growing in your faith and learning to serve and love the community you’re in with a servant heart like Christ. It’s not just a job. It’s an invitation to be transformed. As you study God’s word and live it out in real ministry, you will be shaped by Him. You will become more Christ-like, more rooted in your calling, and more fully the person God has created you to be. It echoes the verses of 2 Corinthians 3:18 (NIV).And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Matthew’s story is one of faithfulness in the ordinary moments -in meetings, prayer, youth clubs and study -where God is quietly forming a servant-hearted leader.
Are you considering ministry?
If Matthew’s journey inspires you, maybe God is stirring something similar in you. Apprenticeships are a chance to grow, explore calling, and serve God’s people in real life — one week, one prayer, one relationship at a time.
For more information about apprenticeships, contact Louisa via email at: [email protected]
