5 MINUTE Q & A WITH Charlie Hughes & MR HICKS
“The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.” Diogenes
The college community was delighted to have the chance to catch up with Charlie Hughes. Charlie is doing marvellous work within the Merseyside Fire & Resue Service.
When did you leave Archbishop Beck Catholic College?
I left Archbishop Beck Catholic College in 2016 after doing five years in Years 7 – 11 and one year in Sixth Form.
What have you been doing since that time?
Since leaving the college and deciding that I wanted to work with young people, I have been very fortunate to have had some amazing opportunities working with young people in a variety of settings. My favourite roles have been working at Liverpool FC Academy, various colleges and schools and for the last four years at Shrewsbury House Youth & Community Centre in Everton. I worked as a Youth Worker and got so much experience and knowledge from some fantastic young people.
Since June 2023 I have been working for Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service within the Youth Engagement Team on programmes across the County.
What are your memories of your time at the college?
I had the best six years at the college. I would go back in a heartbeat and do it again if I could. I had so many teachers who supported and guided me through my time there. I had my fair share of challenges along the way, but I do believe the teachers at Archbishop Beck are simply the best. Apart from the many sporting fixtures and trips out of school, my best memories are from Year 11 revising for my GCSEs. It was the first time I had really enjoyed learning and the staff at the college really helped me with my studies.
When you were younger, what did you want to be?
From when I was a child, I always had three careers in mind – Paramedic, Firefighter or Teacher.
What do you like most about your job?
The best part of my job is having the chance to learn each day. Within our County we have some truly amazing young people who have different needs and experiences. It is my job to develop skills like resilience, teamwork, social skills and confidence which young people can use as they progress through life. I feel really privileged to have this opportunity. I had some great mentors in my time at the college (thankyou Mr Mitchell and Mr Norbury) and fondly remeber the effect and influence they had on me. The inspiration of the college staff is what inspires me to work with young people every day, to hopefully do the same.
What advice would you give your teenage self?
My advice to my teenage self or any student at the college is every day is a chance to learn something new and develop yourself. Try new things, speak to different people and keep an open mind to things going on around you. Even when you leave school you never stop learning, whether it is driving lessons or training for a new job. And lastly take advantage of your time at the college. Take all the advice and opportunities that Archbishop Beck Catholic College offer. Whether it helps you in your career or enhances your skillset, it is so beneficial.
Finally,
It certainly has been a wonderful opportunity to catch up with you Charlie, very best wishes for the outstanding Youth work you are doing. Very important work indeed.
