Pat Estall - Project Manager

Hemlington Detached Youth Work Project in Middlesbrough works with young people, on the streets, between the ages of 12-25. It delivers personal, social, health and educational programmes that are designed to give young people the encouragement to explore and challenge assumptions that affect their lives. This gives them the skills to make more informed personal choices.

Before joining the course, Pat had already been on a number of management training programmes and saw the BCVO course as offering him the chance to build on, and refine, his existing knowledge.

“What drew me was the course content. It looked comprehensive, relevant and interesting.”

The course helped Pat to be more aware and critical in assessing how he performs in his role. Pat also revisited some of the methods he used previously, and has made appropriate changes that have improved the way he and his team now function. In particular, Pat believes that the course has improved the way he communicates with, and manages his staff.

“Being a good manager involves motivating and invigorating staff. Having good communication skills is  essential in getting messages across.”

In addition to the BCVO course, Pat completed his NVQ level 5 which is offered alongside the BCVO course. Pat feels that the course complemented the NVQ process, and that the help and guidance provided by his assessor were very useful.

“My assessor was a good listener who helped me to reflect on NVQ assignment issues and to take a considered approach to my evidence.”