Getting Qualified
YSW Qualifications
Since January 2011 revised qualifications at L2 and L3 have been available on the Qualifications and credit Framework that replace the previously used L2 and L3 VRQs and NVQs. Work is underway to create new training programmes, which will be available for delivery from later this year.
What are the New Awards, Certificates & Diplomas that are available in Youth Work?
At Level 2:
Level 2 Award in Youth Work Practice (also suitable for young leaders, aged 14+)
Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice – Only the Level 2 Certificate constitutes a ‘full’ qualification classified as meeting the requirements for conferring occupational competence within the JNC framework for Youth Support Work roles.
At Level 3:
Level 3 Award in Youth Work Practice
Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice
Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice - Only the Level 3 Diploma constitutes a ‘full’ qualification classified as meeting the requirements for conferring occupational competence within the JNC framework for Youth Support Work roles.
For more information, contact your local provider or the one of the JNC endorsed awarding bodies who will also be able to give you deatails of local providers.
Progression Opportunities
A level 3 Youth Work Qualififcation can provide access to higher education and will enable learners to progress to a professional level qualification, leading to Professional Youth Worker Status.
Professional Qualifications
Overview
JNC recognised professional qulaifications in Youth Work are available at BA (Hons) and PG levels.
*Qualifications achieved prior to September 2010 gained professional youth work qualifications at Foundation Degree and Diploma of Higher Education level and will continue to confer qualified youth worker status.
All qualifications vary in length. Courses are available for both full and part time study and require completion of substantial field work placements. A few institutions offer distance learning programmes.
The different qualifications
- BA (Hons): three years full time and part time equivalent.
- PG Cert / PG Dip: one year full time and part time equivalent
- MA: one year and part time equivalent
All the professional qualification programmes of study are offered by universities or colleges of higher education. The programmes of study will only offer professional qualification if they have first been professionally validated by the NYA. Professionally validated HE awards are currently offered by around 40 English universities and colleges of higher education.
Because Youth and Community workers work in a wide range of settings, Higher Education qualifications reflect different occupational needs, and have a range of titles, including youth and community, community and youth studies, childhood and youth studies, and informal and community education.
Obtaining a place
An employer may support you to undertake the Higher Education awards by giving financial assistance for payment of tuition fees, or time off for study, but you can also study for the qualification independently of full or part time employment.
Whilst most universities stipulate minimum academic entry requirements, all institutions offering youth and community work qualifications welcome applications from those without academic qualifications providing they can show that they have relevant experience in youth work and have the intellectual ability to complete the course. All universities will have support services for students with different learning needs, e.g. deafness or dyslexia.
List of Validated Courses
In this section there is a list of all the currently validated professionally qualifying programmes that are JNC recognised. These are also presented in a geographical map to help you find opportunities in your region. A comprehensive list of all programmes current and historical is included for those wishing to check whether a qualification carries JNC recognition.
To find out about training in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, please use the contacts below:
CLD Standards Council for Scotland, 9th Floor, The Optima, 58 Robertson Street. Glasgow. G2 8DU
Tel: 0141 282 5263
Website: http://www.cldstandardscouncil.org.uk
Email: contact@cldstandardscouncil.org.uk
ETS Wales c/o Welsh Local Government Association, Local Government House, Drake Walk, Cardiff CF10 4LG
Tel: 029 20 468687
Email elizabeth.rose@wlga.gov.uk
Website: www.etswales.org.uk
Youth Council for Northern Ireland,Forestview, Purdey's Lane, Belfast BT8 4TA.
Tel: T: +44 (0)28 9064 3882 Fax: +44 (0)28 9064 3874
E-mail: MMcAlinden@ycni.org
Website: http://www.ycni.org/
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