The National Youth Agency - YSW Qualifications

YSW Qualifications

Level 2 and 3 youth work training, previously known as 'basic', 'local', 'introductory', or 'part-time' training leading to 'locally qualified' status respectively, has undergone significant change in the last few years. The previous system of RAMPs qualifications has now come to an end.

About Youth Support Worker (Pre-Professional/Vocational) Qualifications

The new vocational qualifications described below each consist of a number of mandatory and optional units. They are therefore suited not only to those wishing to work towards a full qualification, but also provide opportunities for youth workers wishing to update their skills and/or knowledge by undertaking one or more individual units. For example, an experienced youth worker may find it valuable to undertake the optional unit E3: Build and Maintain Parntership Work, since this aspect of the role may have changed significantly since they did their initial training; or Unit F3: Promote a Culture of Health and Safety may provide a valuable opportunity to refresh knowledge and skills.

Also of interest...

Currently, each local authority, and many voluntary youth services will offer a programme of basic training. Some of the training may be classroom based and some will be supported learning in the work place. The training programme will now be directed to help you to gain either a national vocational qualification (NVQ) or vocationally related qualification (VRQ) in Youth Work. NVQs and VRQs are currently offered at levels 2 and 3. Level 2 is considered equivalent to a GCSE and level 3 to an 'A' level. Local Authority and voluntary youth services will normally expect you to gain level 3 NVQ, enabling you to create and implement your own work with young people with only minimal supervision. NVQs and VRQs are competence based. This means that there are no exams in NVQs and in only one part of a VRQ, and that you must provide evidence that you possess a range of skills and knowledge. The evidence will be produced in the course of your normal work.

Who to contact

If you would like to train to gain NVQ or VRQ level 2 or 3 then contact your local authority youth service to identify opportunities for voluntary, part time or full time work at this level and discuss their training programmes. The local authority may also have details of any voluntary organisations with opportunities for voluntary or paid work where you can also train to gain vocational qualifications. The NYA has contact details for all local authority youth services.

Awarding bodies

NVQs and VRQs are currently awarded by two bodies though other vocational programmes are also now available. You may like to contact these directly to see where vocational qualifications in youth work are offered.

City and Guilds Affinity - http://www.cityand-guilds.com/
Contact: 0207 2942800
Email: mailto:mlearnersupport@cityandguilds.com

ABC Awards - http://www.abcawards.co.uk/
Contact: Lejanne Houweling
Tel: 01823 365443
Email: lejanneh@abcawards.co.uk

National Open College Network - http://www.nocn.org.uk/
Contact: Jill Matthews
Tel: 01332 268080
Email: nocn@nocn.org.uk

Open University - http://www.open.ac.uk%20to%20download/ - to download or request a prospectus
Faculty of Education and Language Studies
Walton Hall
MILTON KEYNES
MK7 6AA
Tel: 0845 3006090

The NYA has reached agreement with the awarding bodies for the endorsement of awards and a process for annual monitoring of the quality of local training programmes. For more information visit the Professional Validation page.

Download the NYA Guide to Youth Work and Youth Services in full >>