Robbie Mc Cabe - Gorey Youthreach
Tell us a bit about yourself
I live just outside Gorey, married with one son, I have worked in training for the past 20 years, 7 years external training with FAS in the Southeast and Dublin Regions. I spent the last 11 years as co-ordinator of a Local Training Initiative (LTI) and Waterford Institute of Technology Enterprise Support Unit where I managed and delivered level 5 and level 6 programmes.
Is the job as Youthreach Coordinator what you expected?
Yes it is. It is a new post in a new Youthreach programme for Gorey. Gorey has two secondary schools one of which is the largest school in the country, with 1700 pupils, the newer school Creagh College (WWETB) now has over 600 students and growing. This totals 2300 students, and does not take into account Carnew and Kilmuckridge. This type of student population creates a demand for a Youthreach and we are catering for students who would have found it difficult to get back into education. Currently we have an expanding waiting list of young people.
What is a typical work day like for you?
My typical work day starts in the centre at 8am, the centre resource staff follow shortly after and we discuss events from the day previous and the day ahead. The students start arriving from 8:30 onwards, some will make breakfast for themselves. Classes start at 9:10. I have timetabled myself in most days to teach, the subjects I teach are Computers and History. If I am not in the classroom, I am in my office carrying out administration work. It is an environment where you never get what you planned done when you expected to do it. With the learners we work with, things are never straight forward and some mornings there can be a constant flow of learners and teachers to the office door. You end up dealing with the student, parents, support workers and other services the learners might be using. There is also a steady feed of emails during the day.
What are you hoping to change about the role?
I don’t want to necessarily change the role, but I do want to create an environment for young people that brings the best out of them by implementing an ethos and best practice, that will help them academically, socially and mentally.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love this time of year I have 2 polytunnels and spend most of the summer working in them, which is a great way to spend down time. I enjoy local politics and I am actively involved. I also organise classical concerts locally and I am involved in a variety of community projects, including the board of management of two local schools. Weekends tend to be family time unless a formula one race is on.