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Students on the Childhood, Youth and Education Studies programmes at UWTSD recently took part in an inspiring Graduate Stories event as part of their annual Employability Week (20th-24th January). The event brought together six graduates who shared where life has taken them since finishing their degrees. From recruitment and HR to youth work and entrepreneurship, the event showcased diverse career journeys and was packed with advice, insights, and plenty of inspiration.

The stories shared highlighted how a degree in the disciplines of Childhood, Youth, and Education Studies can lead to impactful careers that help shape society. These graduates are creating tangible change in their communities, demonstrating the versatility of their degrees. 

What stood out the most is the shared sense of purpose among the speakers. Whether it’s ensuring schools are staffed with passionate educators, rebuilding family relationships, or championing outdoor learning, these graduates show how education enables people to create a lasting impact.

The event kicked off with Sam Jones, who after completing an Education Studies degree, transitioned from teaching to working as a recruitment consultant at Prospero Teaching. He described how his teaching experience enables him to match schools with high-quality staff who can make a meaningful difference. “Being a teacher showed me the impact that the right people can have in a classroom,” Sam explained. “Now, in recruitment, I’m using that knowledge to help schools find staff who can create positive outcomes for pupils.”

Lauren Thomas studied Early Years before becoming a lecturer on the same course. Now an Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse (APVA) Case Manager at Media Academy Cymru, she supports families in challenging circumstances, helping them rebuild relationships. “It’s tough work,” Lauren said, “but hearing a family share how things have turned around makes it all worth it.” She emphasised the importance of resilience and self-care in her role, particularly as she balances her work with completing her MA Children’s, Yong People’s and Community’s Service at the university.

Tom Braddock, now a Talent Acquisition Manager at Coleg Sir Gâr talked about his unexpected career trajectory from Education Studies to HR. “If someone had told me during my degree I’d end up working in talent acquisition and HR, I wouldn’t have believed them,” he said. He emphasised the value of transferable skills from his degree - like understanding how people learn and communicate - and highlighted the importance of staying open to varied career paths, adding, “A degree is worth its weight in gold, even if you don’t follow the route you first imagined.”

Maria D’Angelo shared her passion for outdoor learning and how she founded her own forest school, Friends of the Forest, during the final year of her Early Years degree. “Children thrive in nature,” she said. “They’re free to explore and learn in ways that can’t be replicated in the classroom.” Prompted by her course, she opened her business which is now thriving with support from her local community, and has plans to expand into school partnerships and sessions for home-educated children. As she nears the end of her PGCE, Maria looks forward to running the forest school full-time and invites UWTSD students to visit and see her work first-hand.

Nakita Sweetland, an Early Years and MA Youth Work graduate inspired listeners as she talked about her move into youth work after starting out in childcare. Motivated by her desire to support young people during one of the most formative stages of their lives, she now helps them in her role as a Youth Support Worker at Cardiff Youth Service, to navigate challenges while building confidence and resilience. “Working with young people at such an influential time of their lives is so important,” she said. “Being that friendly face for young people is everything I wanted when I was their age.” She credits her role and the young people she works with for helping her grow and build her own confidence. 

Rounding off the evening, Rachel King-Thomas shared how she returned to university as a mature student to complete a Social Studies degree and then MA Equity and Diversity. These qualifications prepares her for her current role as a Quality and Improvement Officer with Swansea Council where she stays updated on legislation, conducts research, and advises practitioners. She spoke about overcoming imposter syndrome and encouraged students to take risks, saying, “If you don’t try, you’re never going to get that job,” and “If you’ve got a passion about something, pursue it all the way.”

For current students, this event is a reminder that their journey is not just about securing a job but about using their education to make a lasting difference. By hearing first-hand accounts from graduates who have used their degrees in Childhood, Youth, and Education Studies to create meaningful change, students are not only inspired but also motivated to follow their own paths toward making a difference. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact these graduates are making and we look forward to seeing the continued difference they’ll bring to their communities.

Explore UWTSD’s Youth Work and Early Years Studies courses and unlock the skills and knowledge to make a real impact in these fields: Youth Work and Early Years Studies | University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Further Information

Mared Anthony

Communications and PR Officer: Alumni Relations   
Corporate Communications and PR    
Email: mared.anthony@uwtsd.ac.uk    
Phone: +447482256996