Darryl White reflects on another year of workforce development for the Youth Work sector in Wales 2026

Another Year as Workforce Development Officer for the Youth Work Sector in Wales

As I reflect on another year as Workforce Development Officer for the youth work sector in Wales, it is hard to believe that I am now closing in on three years in post. Looking back, those years have flown by, yet so much has happened during that time that it feels like a lifetime of experiences, challenges, opportunities and achievements packed into a relatively short period.

When I first took up the role, I knew that workforce development would be central to strengthening the youth work sector across Wales. What I could not have predicted was the sheer scale of change, collaboration and innovation that would take place over the following years. From supporting qualifications and professional learning to facilitating strategic discussions and helping shape the future direction of the sector, every day has brought something new.

One of the greatest privileges of the role has been the opportunity to work alongside passionate and dedicated youth work practitioners and strategic leaders from every corner of Wales. Whether operating in local authorities, voluntary organisations, schools, colleges or community settings, I continue to be inspired by the commitment shown by those who work tirelessly to improve the lives of young people. Their enthusiasm for learning, sharing good practice and developing their skills has been a constant source of motivation and inspiration.

Over the past year alone, I have seen participation in training and professional learning opportunities continue to grow. This increasing demand reflects a sector that is committed to continuous improvement and professional development. Managing and expanding these opportunities has undoubtedly increased the administrative demands of the role, but seeing practitioners gain confidence, achieve qualifications and progress in their careers makes the effort worthwhile.

The Youth Work Training Academy for Wales has continued to develop and evolve, creating more opportunities for practitioners to access training and gain recognised qualifications. From supporting learners undertaking Level 2 and Level 3 youth work qualifications to developing new resources and learning opportunities, there has been a strong focus on ensuring that training remains relevant, accessible and responsive to the needs of the workforce. I am delighted to share that the Academy has now had its first Agored Cymru EQA visit, with no development points identified. This is a real testament to everyone who has helped build such strong foundations, and I look forward to reading the full EQA report.

Alongside the delivery of training, a significant amount of work has focused on listening to the sector and using evidence to inform future priorities. Surveys, consultations, learner feedback and engagement events have provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities facing youth workers today. These conversations have reinforced the importance of developing a workforce that is skilled, resilient and equipped to respond to the changing needs of young people and communities.

The past year has also highlighted the power of partnership working. Collaboration between sector bodies, local authorities, voluntary organisations, higher education institutions and Welsh Government colleagues has helped drive forward a range of initiatives that no single organisation could deliver alone. The willingness of partners to share expertise, resources and ideas continues to demonstrate the strength of the youth work community in Wales.

Another area of progress has been the growing use of digital engagement and innovative ways of connecting with practitioners. Through newsletters, social media, online learning platforms, webinars, podcasts and virtual communities of practice, we have been able to reach more people than ever before. These approaches have complemented face-to-face learning and helped ensure that professional development opportunities remain accessible regardless of location.

In terms of setting the strategic direct for Workforce Development, the Youth Work Strategy and Implementation Board came to an end, when the previous Cabinet Secretary for Education announced that work for a National Body for Youth Work in Wales can continue. This meant that the subgroups to the YWSIB all came to an end, except, one. Workforce Development continued, albeit a refresh of members and strategic focus, to align with the Workforce Development Plan for the Youth Work Sector in Wales. This birthed the Workforce Development Group, which has continued to play a critical role in supporting the sector’s priorities. Through the work of its various subgroups, important conversations have taken place around training and learning, leadership and management, funding and sustainability, and promoting youth work as a career. The commitment and expertise contributed by group members has been instrumental in driving this work forward. As the work has grown and gained momentum, our ways of working have also evolved. This year, we now have an effective Workforce Development Delivery Plan—a detailed action plan focused on delivering the objectives set out in the wider Workforce Development Plan.

Perhaps one of the most rewarding aspects of the role has been witnessing the impact that workforce development can have on individuals. Whether it is a new volunteer completing their first qualification, an experienced practitioner progressing into management, or an organisation strengthening its workforce through professional learning opportunities, these stories provide a reminder of why this work matters. Ultimately, investing in the workforce means investing in better outcomes for young people.

As I approach my third anniversary in post, I find myself reflecting not only on what has been achieved, but also on how much potential remains ahead of us. There are still challenges to overcome, including workforce recruitment and retention, funding pressures and ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities across Wales. However, if the past three years have taught me anything, it is that the youth work sector is resilient, innovative and committed to finding solutions together.

So, what does the future hold? There is certainly no slowing down. If anything, we are moving faster, working harder and doing so with real determination. And when I say “we”, I genuinely mean it. This work is not carried by one person alone. It is made possible by many dedicated supporters, including the brilliant training team within the Training Academy, the Workforce Development Group, its subgroups and the ETS Committee.

The year ahead will see more people from within the Training Academy team invited to help design and develop learning opportunities. This reflects the Academy’s core ethos: youth workers learning with and from other youth workers. It ensures that learning remains firmly rooted in the context of youth work and encourages collaboration rather than relying solely on competitive procurement, which can often be lengthy, restrictive and detached from the original need once a contract has been awarded. I strongly believe that when a training need emerges within the sector, there is real strength in bringing together colleagues from across Wales who have relevant skills, experience or interest in that area. By drawing on that collective talent, we can create meaningful learning opportunities for youth workers across the country. Recent examples, including Leadership and Management at Levels 3 and 4, Youth Homelessness at Levels 3 and 4, and the Youth Work Week webinars, have already shown how successful this approach can be.

With this way of working, colleagues across the sector can looking forward to:

Public Service and Youth Work Level 2 (which can be delivered to young people aged 14+)

Harmful Sexual Behaviour (Traffic Light Toolkit)

Supporting young people who are LGBTQ+

Supporting young people who experiencing poverty

Supporting young people who misuse substances

Supervision within a Youth Work setting

Supporting young people with disabilities / diverse learning needs.

Supporting Young People with regard to Relationships and Sexual Health.

In addition, we will deliver a series of learning and development events focused on sharing innovation, celebrating the achievements of the workforce and, importantly, creating space for youth workers across Wales to connect with one another—an opportunity that can be rare given the demands of the role.

And there is more to come. We are further developing the Level 7 Leadership and Management programme to include MA credits, piloting an Individual Recognition programme for the Postgraduate Diploma in Youth Work, creating a programme to promote youth work as a career, supporting practitioners to gain assessor and IQA qualifications, and progressing several other projects. As with all things in youth work, I am sure this list will continue to grow. For now, it reflects the priorities identified through our annual training needs survey.

I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported, challenged and collaborated with me throughout this journey. The progress we have made is the result of collective effort, shared ambition and a genuine commitment to strengthening youth work in Wales.

With three years almost behind me, I remain as passionate about workforce development as I was on day one. I look forward to continuing the journey, supporting the sector, championing lifelong learning and helping ensure that youth work in Wales has the skilled and confident workforce it needs to thrive for years to come.

Here’s to another year of learning, collaboration and making a difference.