Experience should count for something in youth work

I have been sceptical about the ideas behind establishing an Institute for Youth Work. But now it has been announced that the institute will be launched in the autumn, I wish it well.

An ethical framework governing the practice of youth work is sorely needed. It would be a good move to specify the terms under which people can practice as a youth worker. There has been too much masquerading under the claim of being a “youth worker” when engaging in work with young people that has few or none of the principles or characteristics of youth work.

The statement that, over time, it is hoped that the institute would create an alternative route to the “certified” level of membership open to professionally qualified youth workers was particularly interesting. This would recognise those who have “extensive” experience, but lack a professional qualification.

That was exactly how I gained my JNC (nationally recognised) qualification – way back in 1985. But it was a convoluted and rather painful process. An application had never been in my plans, but arose accidentally one evening following a lecture I gave to the first session of a new apprenticeship training programme for youth workers.