Youth workers work in a variety of settings including traditional youth clubs, in the community (detached youth work) and increasingly in places such as schools, hospitals and secure environments.
There are many different routes into youth work, whether you’re a school leaver, volunteer or looking for a career change; and whether you prefer face-to-face or digital learning.
While a traditional university degree continues to be a popular choice for those looking to obtain a JNC (Joint Negotiating Committee) recognised professional youth worker qualification, there’s now also the option to learn “on the job” via a degree apprenticeship.
Those already working in youth work may be looking to brush up their skills and qualifications in light of the government’s updated statutory duty guidance which requires local authorities to secure a youth work offer that meets local need.
Alongside providing specific guidance on the implementation of the new statutory duty, and a government funded peer review service, the NYA provides training and promotes continuous professional development to ensure youth work organisations are delivering support which is high quality, compliant and safe.
The NYA Academy
The NYA Academy provides high quality accredited and non-accredited youth work training, including the JNC Levels 2 and 3 Youth Support Worker qualifications and the Level 4 Certificate of Professional Development (CPD) (Youth Work), as well as bespoke programmes delivered online and through blended learning.
There is also a new fully online Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principals, allowing learners the flexibility to study at a time convenient to them, obtaining their qualification within six to 12 months.
The Academy also offers a broad catalogue of free short courses and webinars, including:
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Safeguarding in a Youth Work Setting
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Basic Introduction to Participation
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Working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller Young People
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Introduction to Trauma Informed Practice
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Media Literacy and Digital Youth Work
To see the full CPD catalogue, go to: www.nya.org.uk/academy-cpd/
Bursaries
The government is funding up to 500 bursaries (free training places) for youth work courses being offered by the NYA and regional partners from autumn 2023.
The bursary funding is for Levels 2 and 3, as well as a new Level 2 Award via distance learning and the new Level 4 CPD qualification – both offered though NYA’s online Academy.
New qualifications
The new Level 4 CPD qualification is available through the Skills and Education Group, the AIM Group, NCFE Group, Agored Cymru and Open Awards. Designed for those working with young people who already hold a Level 3 qualification or above (in Youth Work or related discipline) the Level 4 aims to build knowledge and skills in particular youth work specialisms, as well as develop management and leadership competency.
With some 23 modules to choose from (varying across providers), the Level 4 qualification provides practitioners with the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of youth work practice in allied professional settings, helping youth workers forge effective relationships with allied sectors, to promote a more holistic wrap-around support for the young people they serve.
There are also modules on trauma-informed practice, gender identity, mental health and wellbeing, race and racism, faith, violence, gangs and exploitation, and participation and democracy.
The wide choice of module options provides an opportunity for those working in the sector wishing to deepen their specialist knowledge, without the need for university study.
Those looking to gain a degree-level qualification to progress into a leadership role can “learn while they earn” at their choice of seven providers from January 2024. As well as the financial incentive of working while studying on an apprenticeship, learners benefit from being able to enrich and develop their practice throughout their course.
The apprenticeship offer is an attractive option for employers looking to build the skills of staff to help them support the updated local authority statutory duty.
Funded through a £3m investment by NatWest Group (through its Apprenticeship Levy Transfer Scheme), employers can access financial support to upskill staff and new recruits (on a 30-hour contract) to Levels 3 and 6.
The traditional undergraduate and postgraduate routes into youth work continue to be offered across England, with some courses offering a combined focus on community work, anthropology and theology.
Organisational learning
Organisations looking to improve the quality of their youth work offer can access NYA’s expertise and support in several ways, including its Quality Mark and Hear by Right youth participation evaluation tool.
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