Our new Apprentices are now settling into their parish placements, getting to know their church communities and beginning to build relationships with the children, young people and families they will be working alongside.

The new cohort brings together people at different stages of life, each with their own experiences, gifts and enthusiasm for working with children and young people. Our youngest Apprentice has recently completed their A-levels, while others bring different life experiences and skills to their new roles. The Apprenticeship offers an opportunity to learn, develop and grow in ministry, whatever their starting point.

Getting started

The first few weeks have been busy, with opportunities for the Apprentices to meet one another, get to know their parishes and take part in training at Trinity House. Several have already been welcomed into their church communities through invitations to meals with families, helping them build relationships and understand more about the life and ministry of their parishes.

The new Apprentices also had the opportunity to meet the Year 2 Apprentices — Evan, Matthew and Sheila. It was a chance to get to know one another, hear about their experiences of the first year and share tips and ideas. Their insights offered the new cohort a valuable glimpse into what lies ahead, from settling into parish life to balancing their practical work with their studies at Ridley Hall.

The Apprentices also travelled to Cambridge to visit Ridley Hall, where they met members of the teaching team and learnt more about their Level 4 Certificate in Higher Education in Theology, Mission and Ministry. Alongside their practical parish experience, their studies will help them develop their theological understanding and reflect on how their learning can inform their work with children and young people.

A memorable first day!

For Abigail Perry, who joined Holy Trinity Richmond slightly earlier than the rest of the cohort, the start of the Apprenticeship was certainly memorable. She began by helping with the parish holiday club, where her first day included being gunged in the gunge tank (which she did volunteer to get in) much to the amusement of the children!

It was a fun introduction to the realities of children’s ministry and a reminder that working with children and young people often involves getting stuck in, joining in the fun and being willing to try something new.

As Apprentices, they have a dual role, they are members of their parish teams, helping to deliver and develop ministry with children and young people, while also being trainees who are learning, asking questions and developing their skills.

Over the next three years, they will gain practical experience, explore their faith and theology, and grow in confidence as they learn how to support children and young people in their Christian journeys. They will also have opportunities to learn from their Line Managers, parish teams and one another.

Each of our Apprentices has taken this step because they feel called to work with children, young people and families. As they begin their training, they will have opportunities to explore that calling, deepen their faith and develop the skills they need to support others in their Christian journey.

Their role is about more than organising activities or running groups. It is about building relationships, being present in the lives of children and young people, listening to them, encouraging them and helping them discover more about the Christian faith.

As Christians, we all have a responsibility to be a beacon of light to those around us, sharing God’s love through our words, our actions and the way we care for others. As we strive as a Diocese to be Christ Centred Outward Focused, this Diocesan Apprenticeship provides an opportunity to further disciple children and young people whilst developing trainees to become more confident in living out that calling within their Parish communities

As Matthew 5:14 reminds us, “You are the light of the world.” It is a simple but powerful reminder that faith is not just something we learn about; it is something we live out and share with those around us.

We look forward to following the Apprentices’ progress, celebrating their achievements and seeing how they grow over the next three years.

Please join us in welcoming and praying for our new Apprentices as they settle into their Parishes. Pray also for their Line Managers and parish teams as they support them, and that the Apprentices will be a light to the children, young people and families they serve.

If you have any questions or would like to know more about the Apprenticeship Programme, please contact the Apprenticeship Programme Coordinator Louisa Ley on [email protected]

 

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