Course overview

This course is validated by the National Youth Agency and successful completion allows you to become a professionally qualified youth worker.

Sunderland has a successful 30-year record of training youth workers. Every year we are monitored by the National Youth Agency to ensure our course remains within their requirements.

During the course you will cover key theories of youth work, management, supervision, research rigour, group work and the policy context. You will also develop your practical skills and undertake a number of work-based placements. These allow you to build up your experience in working effectively with young people and families, as required for the professional qualification.

The benefits of the professional qualification include greater scope for careers and self-development. You will also be able to access higher levels within the salary scales set by the Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Workers. This is the body that sets the national framework used to grade and pay youth work jobs.

As a professional youth worker, you will be able to make a real difference in the lives of young people aged between 13 and 19. You will promote their personal and social development, and also empower them to have a voice, influence and place in their communities and society as a whole.