The qualifications route shows the full range of training and qualification levels available for youth work in Wales. Your individual starting point may be determined by your experience and current level of qualifications
Introducing you to key Youth Work theories.
New to Youth Work
Individual organisations offer their own induction training for volunteers. This may include workforce development programmes or training such as safeguarding etc.
If you are interested exploring opportunities, here are the organisations in Wales that offer routes into youth work:
Council for Wales of Voluntary Youth Services (CWVYS), Blaenau Gwent, Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Isle of Anglesey, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Neath Port Talbot, Newport, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea, Torfaen, Vale of Glamorgan and Wrexham.
This does not qualify you as a youth worker or youth support worker.
To find current vacancies within youth work sector in Wales visit the Educators Wales jobs portal.
The CWVYS ‘A Stepping Stone to Youth Work’ has been developed to provide the learner with the skills, knowledge and confidence to support the delivery of a service which is fit for purpose and enables the learner to grow and progress within a youth work setting. Further details can be found on the CWVYS website.
This does not qualify you as a youth worker or youth support worker.
To find current vacancies within youth work sector in Wales visit the Educators Wales jobs portal.
You have limited Youth Work Experience & would like to work with Young People.
Prepares you to lead work with young people in a range of Youth Work settings.
The Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles (Wales) prepares learners to being working with young people in a range of youth work settings. This qualification is suitable if learners are new to youth work and require an introduction to the principles and purposes of youth work and the key themes for working in the sector. This qualification does not qualify the learner to undertake JNC qualified roles of youth worker or youth support worker.
The Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales) prepares learners to assist in working with young people in a range of settings. This qualification is for individuals who assist in the delivery of operational youth work and who undertake duties under direction, where initiative and independent action is limited. The Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales) includes the Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles (Wales) and is the minimum qualification required for those wishing to work as a JNC qualified youth support worker assistant. This qualification does not qualify the learner to undertake JNC qualified roles of youth worker or youth support worker, nor register as a youth support worker with the EWC.
The Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales) prepares learners to lead work with young people in a range of youth work settings, and if you need minimal support. The Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales) qualifies the learner as a JNC qualified youth support worker and enables learners to register with the EWC as a youth support worker.
This qualification is for individuals who deliver operational Youth Work and who undertake duties on their own initiative or who carry supervisory responsibility for small projects, such as one night a week clubs. Workers with these responsibilities will receive leadership and operational guidance from professionally qualified youth workers.
The Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice (Wales) prepares learners to lead work with young people in a range of youth work settings and specialise in subjects that are relevant to you or your work. The Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice is suitable if you have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (which is required for those wishing to work as a JNC Youth Support Worker) and wish to extend your knowledge of skills and specialist subject areas.
This qualification alone does not qualify you as a JNC qualified youth support worker, but it builds on the Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales) and is for individuals who deliver operational youth work and who undertake duties on their own initiative or who carry supervisory responsibility for small projects, such as one night a week clubs. Workers with these responsibilities will receive leadership and operational guidance from professionally qualified youth workers.
This optional course supports and enables you to develop youth work practice, informed by relevant theory, the skills, knowledge, qualities and values necessary for effective youth work practice and relevant study skills.
Youth Work has been central to the Urban Circle Arts and Advocacy work that has taken place for 17 years. The experience shared in these courses, which begin in November, will show how impactful good Youth Work can be. Ultimately, a Youth Work qualification enhances the quality of support provided to young people and contributes to building a stronger and more inclusive society.
You can also complete individual units within the Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work (Wales). For further information on the units that are available visit Agored Cymru
To find current vacancies within youth work sector in Wales visit the Educators Wales jobs portal.
To find current vacancies within youth work sector in Wales visit the Educators Wales jobs portal.
Prepares you to deliver, design, and develop Youth Work. Professionally qualified Youth and Community workers can also be expected to carry operational management and strategic responsibilities
Higher education achievements at this level alone do not qualify you as a JNC qualified youth worker, however learning at this level forms part of the BA (Hons) degree Youth & Community Work (titles may vary depending on the university).
You can also complete individual professional learning at this level, as part of the Agored Cymru Level 4 Certificate in Professional Development (Youth Work), which is suitable if you have wish to extend your knowledge of skills and specialist subject areas.
Higher education achievements at this level alone do not qualify you as a JNC qualified youth worker, however learning at this level forms part of the BA (Hons) degree Youth & Community Work (titles may vary depending on the university).
You can also complete individual professional learning at this level which is suitable if you have wish to extend your knowledge of skills and specialist subject areas.
The BA (Hons) degree Youth & Community Work (titles may vary depending on the university) is suitable if you have a Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Youth Work Practice, or have A Level or equivalent qualifications, and 100 hours of relevant experience. The BA (Hons) Degree is the qualification required for those wishing to work as a JNC qualified professional youth and community worker and enables the learner to register with the EWC as a youth worker. This is for employees who carry responsibility for the delivery, design, and development of youth work. Professionally qualified youth and community workers can also be expected to carry operational management and strategic responsibilities.
Prepares you to carry out the responsibility for the delivery, design, and development of Youth Work.
You can also be expected to carry out operational and management responsibilities.
The Level 7 Post-Graduate Diploma in Youth & Community Work (titles may vary depending on the university, often listed under Masters Degrees) is suitable if you hold a relevant undergraduate degree and have at least 200 hours of relevant Youth Work experience. The Level 7 Post-Graduate Diploma is the qualification required for those wishing to work as a JNC qualified Professional Youth and Community Worker and enables the learner to register with the EWC as a youth worker. It prepares you to carry out responsibility for the delivery, design and development of youth Work. You can also be expected to carry operational management responsibilities.
To find current vacancies within youth work sector in Wales visit the Educators Wales jobs portal.