My Work Experience at Harrow Youth Stop – A Week to Remember
By a Year 10 student from Park High School
As part of my Year 10 work experience programme, I had the incredible opportunity to spend a week at Harrow Youth Stop, allocated through Shaw Trust. From Monday to Friday, I was welcomed into a positive, supportive, and inspiring environment filled with passionate people who genuinely care about young people like me.
Before starting, I wasn’t sure what to expect — but from the very first day, I realised that Harrow Youth Stop is much more than just a youth service. It’s a place where young people are supported, listened to, and given opportunities to grow.
Monday: A Warm Welcome
On the first day, we were introduced to the amazing team working at Harrow Youth Stop. Everyone was kind, friendly, and made us feel instantly comfortable. We were given a full tour of the building, which included a mix of workspaces, reception areas, and creative corners that were clearly designed to make young people feel at home. After the tour, I spent time at the reception, learning how to greet visitors, answer phone calls, and handle bookings. It was a great insight into front-desk responsibilities, and it definitely helped build my communication and confidence skills.
Tuesday: Creative Poster Making
Tuesday was a creative day! We were asked to design posters for the bins, encouraging proper waste sorting and recycling. It might sound simple, but it was a really fun and engaging task — we got to choose colours, write catchy slogans, and even add our own illustrations. It made me think more deeply about how visual communication can be both helpful and environmentally impactful. Plus, it felt good to know that something we created would actually be displayed and used!
Wednesday: Youth-Friendly Space Design
This day was one of my favourites. We worked on a design project to come up with ways to make the centre look and feel more appealing to young people. We talked about colour schemes, furniture, posters, games, wall art, and more. It gave me the chance to express my ideas and think like a designer or architect. I also realised how important it is for young people to have spaces that feel safe, vibrant and welcoming.
Thursday: Career Guidance and Advice
Thursday was all about our futures. We had a very helpful and inspiring careers meeting where we discussed different pathways, college and apprenticeship options, how to build a CV, and tips for finding a job. The team was full of knowledge and gave honest advice that made me feel more confident about what comes next after school. It was a great chance to ask questions and explore what opportunities are available out there.
What I’ve Learned So Far
In just a few days, I’ve already gained so many new skills and experiences:
- I learned about reception and admin work
- I got to use my creativity and design thinking
- I worked as part of a team and shared ideas
- I improved my confidence, communication, and time management
- Most importantly, I met some really inspiring staff and mentors who made the whole experience enjoyable and memorable
Final Thoughts
I still have a couple of days left, and I’m excited for what’s coming next. But already, I can say that Harrow Youth Stop is a special place. The staff really care about giving young people a voice and a platform to grow. If any student gets the chance to do their work experience here, I highly recommend it! I also highly recommend Harrow Youth Stop to other young people — especially those who might be struggling to find a job or figure out what to do next. The support and guidance here can really make a difference.
A big thank you to Shaw Trust, Park High School, and all the amazing people at Harrow Youth Stop who made this week unforgettable.