Music is in George Murray’s blood. Whilst his rock star ambitions have seen him playing in bands, writing music, releasing an album and producing gigs and festivals, it was his mother’s encouragement to ‘get a real job’ when he was 19 years that saw him begin a professional career in community learning and development (CLD).
George was one of the first cohort of students in Scotland to complete a university degree in Community Education – up until that point the profession was only deemed worthy of diploma status. But three decades on, George can look back on a career with solid roots in youth work across many different roles around the Fife area. Currently, he’s the Training and Workforce Development Officer for CLD services in Fife Council.
George holds other community leadership roles too – he’s a trustee on the board of the Dunfermline Carnegie and Hero Fund and Carnegie UK Trusts. Surprisingly, he still has some spare time to share his passion for music – George volunteers to help develop the music and arts programme for the annual Outwith Festival, bringing music and the arts to the city of Dunfermline every September.
George’s love of music runs deep, and he brings his passion to his CLD work wherever he can, fitting it in with his other priorities in youth work.
“I’ve always seen the opportunity of using music as a vehicle to positively engage with young people in a way that enables and challenges them,” George says.
“Young people can feel isolated and lack confidence; but give them a guitar and they become a rock star!”
George has helped lots of young people explore and develop their musical endeavours over the years, with some going on to achieve great success in the music industry. In his current role he oversees a team who deliver the Youth Space Fife programme, where young people can learn skills in podcasting, video production, animation and music.
“It’s lovely to see that your input has made a difference to someone’s life – it’s better than any salary – there aren’t many jobs that give you that!” George said.
But that’s not the only thing George loves about his CLD career. “I say to youth workers and my own staff that you can never fail in youth work, all you do is evaluate and see how you can make improvements. Having the freedom to do that in the workplace is amazing and encourages you to be innovative, original and unique.”
It was only a couple of years ago that George registered as a member of Scotland’s CLD Standards Council, when he went back to work after taking time out to care for his mother.
“If you’re not a member, you’re missing out!”, George said. “There are changes happening all the time, so keeping up to speed and being committed to continued personal development is important, the CLD Standards Council enables you to do this.”
“Plus you’re part of an organisation that is working hard to raise the profile and standard of the profession, which helps us as practitioners to create a stronger voice for CLD,” George said.
To find out more about membership of the CLD Standards Council click here