Meet Anna Skinner, Lead Coach at Spear Islington

Q: Can you introduce yourself and share a bit about your background at Spear Islington?

A: Hey, I’m Anna, the Lead Coach here at Spear Islington. I’ve been a Spear Coach for two years now, and when I’m not coaching, you might catch me cycling or running around Islington.

Q: What drew you to become a Spear coach, specifically working with young people?

A: It’s all about the passion for me. I love working with people, especially the younger crowd. I believe that the age we work with (16-24 year olds) is a crucial life stage, and getting involved in their journey, particularly in the realm of work, is something that truly resonates with me.

Q: Could you elaborate on the unique approach Spear takes, not just focusing on employment but also utilising coaching as a tool?

A: Absolutely. Spear is about more than just finding a job. It’s about coaching as a tool for empowerment. We delve into mindsets, resilience, and not just the practical aspects of job hunting. We want each person we coach to be the decision-maker, to create the change they’re aiming for, and be invested in their own growth.

Q: Walk us through a typical day in the life of a Spear coach. What does your daily routine look like?

A: Our day starts with a team catch-up. We’re a small but mighty team of three, and we chat about our hopes for the day, priorities, and the focus for the sessions with the young people. After that, it’s time to roll up our sleeves and get into the specific details of session prep. We run sessions five days a week, so there’s always something on the go – from tailoring sessions to setting up practically for the day.

Q: What stands out in your coaching sessions, and how do you ensure trainees leave feeling challenged and changed?

A: Our sessions aren’t just about delivering content. We want our trainees to feel the impact, to share their thoughts and perspectives, and to be challenged. It’s not about leaving with a simple ‘nice session’ vibe; we want them to feel genuinely changed and empowered.

Q: What happens towards the end of the day, and how do you track the progress of the individuals you support?

A: The end of the day involves reviewing progress around different work-readiness indicators we use to track how our trainees are doing over the program. We stay connected with them for a year afterward, checking on their jobs or supporting them in whatever way they need to keep moving forward.

Q: Share your favorite aspects of being a Spear coach. What makes your job truly special?

A: Celebration days are the absolute highlight. Seeing trainees stand up, often landing a job, and witnessing their growth in confidence – that’s a huge win. But the real magic happens when people recognize their own worth. I love helping individuals realize their strengths and talents, seeing them go from doubting themselves to embracing their worth. That’s the game-changer for me.

Find out more about our Spear Programme here.