The National Youth Agency recently held a conference designed to analyse and celebrate the world of awards and accreditation. Held at Centrepoint in London, the event was hosted jointly with the Network for Accrediting Young People's Achievement.

The main aim of 'Giving Young People Credit: Awards, Accreditation and Learning' was to capture the development opportunities arising from the Tomlinson 14 to 19 reforms, the improving youth services agenda and work-based learning reforms. Carolyn Hayman OBE, chief executive of the Foyer Federation, was among the keynote speakers, and outlined the current accredited programmes and wider activities available for 14- to 19-year-olds. Martin Lamb, director of the Learning and Skills Council's Young People's Learning Group, then discussed how awards in work-based programmes can stimulate learning.

Also speaking at the conference were two young people, whose contribution was appreciated at all levels. Hayley Symons, a 22-year-old mother of one, described how getting involved with the Millennium Volunteers and, prior to that, with Getting Connected, had a profound influence on her life. Seventeen-year-old Dannielle Tocker admitted that she had found education a struggle, but had nevertheless amassed a wealth of achievement and experience through youth work-related activities, particularly through the WAYS Music Room initiative. Hayley is now in training to be a youth worker, while Dannielle sits on both her local Connexions management committee and a youth council.

Pete Loewenstein, development officer for The NYA, who was also among the speakers, was especially impressed by the young people's contribution.

"It came across strongly that they had both left school with limited self-esteem and achievements," he reports. "However, they had been greatly transformed by their involvement in work leading to awards and accreditation. The motivating factor for Hayley was that she did not want her young son to grow up thinking his mum hadn't achieved anything worthwhile, while in Dannielle's case, an inspirational youth worker had motivated her to go on to better things."

Feedback from those attending the event has been exceptionally positive.

The conference proved so popular that many potential delegates were unable to secure places. "With this in mind, we are considering holding another, similar event," says Pete. "Alternatively, we may aim to stage some regional events through the autumn and winter."