Embrace your passion for people with a career in youth work!

Paul Goldie was a Youth Worker for 15 years. He now teaches Youth and Communities (Level 6) and really enjoys sharing his knowledge and experiences with students. Here he tells us a bit about the course...

Who’s the course for?

"Youth work is a key policy priority for local councils, so there are many exciting and rewarding opportunities in this sector. It’s constantly evolving and changing to meet the challenges young people face, so it’s a dynamic work environment which welcomes people who are both passionate and creative.

Our Youth Work and Communities (Level 6) is ideal for those who are interested in working with young people, or anyone who currently works with young people and wishes to develop their professional practice. Also, if you are interested in the broader field of Community Development, and Working with Communities this course provides a gateway to these areas."

What’s involved?

"It looks at why we work with young people and different types of youth work and settings. It includes how to engage with young people, child protection, counselling skills and how to build resilience amongst young people.

The course content is engaging and stimulating and therefore helps students to reflect on their own experiences as a young person and how that effected their personal and social development. Therefore, it is not only a sound academic and vocational course but an excellent personal development course as well.

I most enjoy exposing students to new ideas and being a part of their personal, social, and intellectual development.  Also, a particularly important aspect of the course is raising an awareness amongst students just how important youth work is as a profession.  For example, once the students realise what a positive impact they can have on the lives of young people it ignites a passion within them.   

Students also develop analytical skills, group work skills, presentation skills, communication skills, essay writing, event planning, marketing, and research skills."

What kind of support do students receive?

"There’s plenty of support available for students. Lecturers have a wealth of experience of youth work in a variety of settings and they keep up-to-date in developments in educational youth work, and broader community learning. They provide one-to-one support to students on subject specific areas where required.

Students are allocated a Personal Development Tutor who offers broader support with wellbeing. They are able to refer students to a range of services for financial advice, learning support, counselling, mental health services, etc."

Go for it!

"I began my career in Community Learning and Development 15 years ago as a Youth Worker. I’ve had many stimulating and rewarding experiences, however like most Youth Workers, I was recruited with no real professional training – making the beginning of my journey challenging.

I believe, because of the engaging and comprehensive content of this course, that it prepares students for a career in youth work in a way that I wasn’t. In short, it instils you with a sense of confidence and passion for working with young people.

There’s excellent progression routes on to more advanced level courses such as - HNC Working with Communities, HNC Counselling, HNC Additional Support Needs and HNC Social Services. 

It’s a great stepping stone into many exciting career opportunities such as Youth Worker, Community Learning and Development Worker, Community Development Worker, Young Person’s Support Worker (Social Work), Family Support Worker and more!"

Embrace your passion for people with career in youth work - apply now!

Paul Goldie