From placement to impactful career: Aidan's journey in youth work

Aidan Harper graduated in 2024 with a BA in Community Education at the University of Dundee. Community development and youth work are vital, helping individuals and young people improve their lives and strengthen their communities. 

In his final year on placement, Aidan worked with the Dundee East Youth Team while conducting his research dissertation, which focused on positive masculinity and youth work’s response. 

The Biggest Impact Award 2024, presented to one final year undergraduate student from Community Learning and Development was awarded to Aidan in recognition of the considerable impact he made during placement and on the communities that he worked with.

Aidan is now working as a Social Work Assistant with Fife Council’s Young People’s Team. The commitment and skills that earned Aidan the Biggest Impact Award are now reflected in the way he supports young people. ‘My role involves supporting young people in care and those leaving care as they take steps into adulthood,’ says Aidan.

Studying Community Learning and Development provided Aidan with many learning opportunities and practical experiences. Aidan said, ‘The course really helped me grow personally, academically and professionally. 

‘It gave me the confidence to step into the working world, and I made some great friends along the way who I’m still in touch with. The course was packed with practical and theoretical learning, and the placements each year were a brilliant way to put that into practice.’ 

Speaking specifically about his biggest takeaways from his course at Dundee, Aidan said, ‘I learned about informal education approaches, which I now use every day to build relationships with young people and support them as they navigate adult life. 

‘The course also helped me understand and appreciate the context of the lives of those we work alongside - and this is perhaps no more important than when working with young people who have experience of the care system. With Scotland’s renewed focus on helping these young people thrive, I feel well-prepared to be part of that effort.’

When asked what advice he would give someone studying community development and youth work at Dundee, Aidan advised, ‘Get stuck in! Take every opportunity you can, whether it’s placements, lectures, or just chatting with your lecturers. They’re a brilliant team and always happy to help.’ 

Dr Alan Mackie, Youth and Community Work Lecturer, said, ‘Aidan approached his placement with maturity, creativity, and genuine care for the young people he worked with. His ability to combine academic insight with practical action made a real difference, and that's exactly why he’s thriving in his career today.’