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Youth Work Training
This is a very brief overview of the options available for those wishing to undertake youth work training in Wales.
The important issue with any youth work training is to check if it leads to JNC recognition as this is recognised across the UK and Ireland. Voluntary organisations (eg the Guides or Scouts) may offer their own brand training which is transferable within their organisation.
Potential students should be aware that youth work typically will involve evening and weekend work and that training will involve placements at these times.
Currently there are 2 levels of JNC training:
1. Professionally qualified youth worker
- Honours Degree (level 6) or
- Post Graduate Diploma (level 7) leading to a Masters degree.
BA(Hons) takes 3 years full time or 5/6 years part time; PG Dip takes 1 year full time or 2 years part time
For those whose main career is youth work, working on par with teachers, social workers etc.
and
2. Youth Support Worker / Assistant Youth Support Worker
- Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (minimum 27 credits)
- Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (minimum 26 credits)
For those working in a supporting role to professionally qualified workers (often this is not an individuals' main career and they may do this work in addition to their main job)
Professional Youth Worker
Professional programmes are available at following institutions in Wales:
Glyndwr University, Wrexham: BA(Hons); PgDip (leading to Masters)
University of South Wales, Newport: BA(Hons); Masters (incorporating PgDip)
Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff: BA(Hons); PgDip (leading to Masters)
University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Carmarthen: BA(Hons); PgDip (leading to Masters)
In addition over 40 Higher Education institutions in England deliver similar programmes. Details from the National Youth Agency as below.
Youth Support Worker
These courses are delivered locally so look on your local authority website under 'y' in the A-Z section to find contact details of your local Youth Service and manager. They will be able to provide details of youth work training available.
In Wales, the Agored Cymru level 2 & 3 qualifications are used by many local authorities.
They are delivered locally mainly by Addysg Oedolion Cymru | Adult Learning Wales
Some local authorities and voluntary organisations work with other awarding bodies and delivery centres.
For fuller information please visit the Training FAQs page.
The England National Youth Agency provides detailed information on workforce development but while some information is generic, much of it will apply to England only.
