How does it work?

How It Works

This generation desperately needs leaders who are passionate about Jesus and live out their faith in a genuine, contagious way. Central to our training is the aim to provide a setting where young leaders can grow in their relationship with God and their character.

Our key ethos in training is that whilst it is really important to know the theory, the majority of learning comes by practically doing it. As a result, all SWYM trainees will be engaging in placement activity for between 60-80% of their week.

Trainees are based in communities right across the south-west, some of which might have little or no people their age. Therefore support is a key part of what SWYM seeks to offer trainees. Use the tabs below to find out more about how we support both trainees and placements.

Our training courses are delivered through six conferences per year (Monday–Thursday) at Lee Abbey in North Devon. Our conferences provide a space for worship, inspiration and teaching. If trainees move onto the BA programme they also attend 3 block weeks (Monday–Friday) at Christchurch, Dorset. 

Each week, local groups of trainees gather for food, sharing, worship and teaching. Cluster provides a space for support and encouragement on a regular basis.

These Cluster groups are overseen by the local SWYM Area Co-ordinator, who also provides a link between SWYM and the Ministry Partner.

All our training courses are designed to equip trainees with practical experience in a local ministry setting. The placement is where the trainee will spend the majority of their time whilst with SWYM. It is the responsibility of the ministry partner to provide food and accommodation and some subsidence for their trainee.

The Ministry Partner also needs to provide a line manager who will meet with the trainee weekly or fortnightly to work through their timetable and help plan for upcoming events and activities.

The Line Manager will be provided with a days training from SWYM to equip them for the task as well as having their local SWYM area co-ordinator available for support and advice along the way. Each term we will hold a review for the trainee, line manager and area co-ordinator to review the last term and set goals for the following term. The Line Manager will need to fill in some paperwork for the trainee’s assessment of practical work on placement as well.

The Ministry Partner also need to provide a mentor who is there to invest in the trainee as a person. They are there to help the trainee process any challenges, difficulties and to pray with them regularly.

Want to Become a Ministry Partner?

If you would like to find out more about becoming a Ministry Partner, then the best step is to get in contact and one of our team will be in touch to talk you through the process.

“SWYM do a brilliant job training and resourcing youth and children’s leaders across the region and we as a church have engaged in everything from camps and events to supporting SWYM staff in our congregation. We couldn’t recommend them highly enough as a resource for your church.”

Arthur Goode

Plymouth Vineyard Church & SW Area Leader for Vineyard Churches