A New Qualification for Youth Support

The activity of ‘career guidance’ involves much more than finding an answer to the question ‘what do I want to do when I grow up?!’ There are times in our lives when we need ‘guidance’ in order to take (or make) opportunities available to us. There is one time in particular, where so much change is taking place (physical, emotional, intellectual, behavioural) that life can sometimes feel confusing (at best) and chaotic (at worst), and where guidance in its broadest sense, is helpful. This time is, of course adolescence.

In recent years the UK Government has responded to the perceived need to offer support to young people through a number of initiatives. Anyone who has visited a school recently will have been struck by the plethora of individuals working in ‘supporting roles’ – learning mentors, personal advisers, teaching assistants, school counsellors, pastoral support workers, education welfare workers and others. Many of these roles are new (they certainly weren’t around in my day!) and it is important, therefore that those who are employed in ‘youth support’ in all its forms, have access to appropriate and rigorous training, leading to professional qualification.

In response to this new and emerging workforce, the CWDC has commissioned a consultation into the development of a Foundation degree for those who work in the ‘Integrated Youth Support Service.’ This qualification will be available to anyone who is employed in a youth support role in either the statutory or voluntary sector. It is hoped that the qualification will be available in 2011.

If you have any views about what such a programme should include, don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’d love to hear your thoughts....

Jane Westergaard