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Workforce and Training

Workforce and Training

Lifelong Learning UK's Sector Skills Assessment

LifeLong Learning UK is undertaking its Sector Skills Assessment and is keen to hear the views of youth workers and youth work organisations. See the flyer for more information. Deadline for responses is 31 August.

Consultation on the future direction of skills policy 

The Department for Business Innovation and Skills has issued Skills for Sustainable Growth, a consultation on the future direction of skills policy. A summary of the paper is available here.

The consultation runs until 14 October 2010 but earlier responses will have a better chance to influence the process. Access the full paper and consultation response form.

Want to work in youth work?

Find out what youth work is, what it involves and how to get qualified. This section also gives an overview of career prospects and related areas of work.

The JNC and its role in the youth and community work sector

A brief overview of the Joint Negotiating Committee and their role in the youth work sector. It also gives links to the current payscales.

Checking whether previously gained qualifications have JNC recognition

Information for individuals and employers to check whether qualifications are recognised by the JNC and details about the status of qualifications gained in Wales, Scotland, Ireland or from abroad.

Professional Validation of Higher Education Programmes

Information about the process of professional validation, that is overseen by the National Youth Agency, to ensure the continuing quality of professional level youth work training conferiing JNC status. This section also contains information about the annual monitoring of programmes and key reference documents for the use in developing programmes of learning.

Workforce Reform

The National Youth Agency is a key player in workforce development in the youth sector – developing and implementing policy, engaging widely with practitioners, training and education providers and employers of youth workers.We have ensured that the Common Core of Skills and Knowledge are embedded into youth work qualifications and that future qualifications will meet the Integrated Qualifications Framework requirements.

We currently:

  • manage the Professional Validation process for qualifications delivered through Higher Education Institutes on behalf of the Joint National Council (JNC)
  • work as part of the Joint Educational Training Standards and other ETS agencies responsible for quality and standards in youth work training
  • endorse sector pre-professional youth work qualifications on behalf of JNC.

We are undertaking feasibility work on the development and potential take up of a voluntary registration scheme for youth work professionals. We are committed to supporting improving practice and see registration as a way of driving up the currency of professional qualifications and promoting continuing professional development. We have a range of products and services to assist deliverers of services to young people, including a self assessment toolkit and bespoke consultancy.

Benefits

  • Strong links and direct engagement with employers and practitioners to inform our contribution and outputs.
  • Over-arching view across integrated youth support services and wider young people’s workforce. 
  • A positive and forward-looking approach to service delivery and developing a workforce fit for purpose now and in the future.

For more information contact Diane Evans, National Programme Manager, Workforce/ETS Tel: 07921 687670

The Workforce Reform is a key part of the government’s 10-year strategy for young people, Aiming High, and the 2020 Children and Young People’s Workforce Strategy. The programme has three stands:

  • helping develop the strategic leaders and frontline managers of today and tomorrow;
  • increasing support for the third sector to offer high quality services; and

  • establishing a core set of skills and competences for the entire young people’s workforce.

It includes the largest ever investment in the leadership of the workforce and its first integrated skills framework.  The NYA supports the Children's Workforce Development Council with the workforce reform programme.

Youth Work Training FAQs

To help you find out about pursuing a career in youth work, we have put together the Youth Work Training FAQs for your use.  Please refer to these pages before contacting NYA.  Thank you.