Training

There's a wide range of training and CPD provision available for youth workers, from part-time volunteers to career professionals.

From introductory qualifications to degree-level study, this section can help you find the right training opportunity for you.

National Youth Work Induction Checklist

The Youth Work sector has developed a checklist of topics that should be covered during induction training for youth workers and we are delighted to launch this at the National Youth Work Conference!

Facilitated by YouthLink Scotland’s Youth Work Training Forum, this checklist should ensure inductions give a good sense of the values, principles, approaches and skills needed to deliver youth work as well as key practical considerations. These topics help practitioners to meet the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work and the competencies for Community Learning and Development (CLD).

The purpose is to have a minimum induction standard across Scotland so that staff and volunteers can expect the same level of induction training wherever they practice and so that induction is transferable across organisations and locations. This recognises training that practitioners have already participated in, the time commitment they have given and the quality of induction provision across the youth work sector.

Initial feedback from youth work training providers

“Sometimes when developing in-house training it can be difficult to decide what should and should not be included. This will allow us to develop a course for new people joining our organisation with breaking it down into sections and what can be covered in each.” 

“I have had a look through this document and I believe it is a very in depth induction and allows to cover a lot with new volunteers and staff.”

Please get in touch with any queries or comments and to let us know how you are using the National Youth Work Induction Checklist.

Types of training

Below are a range of examples of youth work training options that carry qualifications, all offered by a range of different providers. The qualifications include work-based, part-time and flexible routes. Each qualification is listed under its approximate SCQF Level, with some bridging two levels.

Youth work training and qualifications are based on the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work which set out what youth workers need to know, understand and be able to do to fulfil their role effectively.

SCQF Level 5

  • Scottish Vocational Qualification in Youth Work

SCQF Level 6

  • Scottish Vocational Qualification in Youth Work 
  • Modern Apprenticeship in Youth Work
  • National Progression Award in Theory and Approaches to Youth Work
  • Professional Development Award in Youth Work
  • National Certificate in Working with Communities

SCQF Level 7

  • HNC in Working with Communities
  • Certificate in Working with Young People, offered by the Open University
  • Certificate in Youth and Community Work, offered by YMCA College

SCQF Level 8

  • Diploma in Youth Work, Informal Education and Community Learning, offered by YMCA College)
  • Diploma in Work With Young People, offered by the Open University
  • Diploma of Higher Education in Theology: Youth Ministry offered by Nazarene Theological College, Glasgow Learning Centre

SCQF Level 9 and 10

  • BA (Hons) Informal Education (Youth Work and CLD), offered the YMCA College
  • BA (Hons) Youth Work, offered by the Open University
  • BA (Hons) Youth Work, offered by Edinburgh Napier University
  • BA (Hons) Theology (Youth and Community) offered by Nazarene Theological College, Glasgow Learning Centre
  • BA (Hons) in Community Learning and Development, offered by the University of Dundee
  • BA (Hons) Community Education, offered by the University of Strathclyde and University of Edinburgh
  • BA (Hons) Community Development, offered by the University of Glasgow
  • BA (Hons) in Community Learning and Participation, offered by the University of the West of Scotland

SCQF Level 11

  • PgDip/MA Youth Work and Community Learning and Development , offered by YMCA College
  • PgDip in Community Learning & Development, offered by the University of Aberdeen, the University of Dundee and the University of Glasgow
  • PgDip in Community Education, offered by the University of Edinburgh
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