Note: New enrolments from Wednesday 19 October 2022 will go into the updated version of this programme, now titled ‘Careerforce Apprenticeship in Whānau, Community and Social Services specialising in Youth Work’.
Qualification and programme overview
The Youth Work Apprenticeship programme will provide youth workers with a broad understanding of the wider social context in which they work in and provide them with youth work specific skills and knowledge. This programme is designed for those who are already in employment as a youth worker who may be experienced or new to the role.
Careerforce connected and consulted with the youth work sector peak body and other lead youth workers and youth work employers in the development of this programme. The content will continue to be informed by the needs of those being supported and other youth work sector developments.
The Youth Work Apprenticeship enables youth workers to support the young person’s autonomy using tools and strategies to identify goals, address barriers and achieve aspirations.
The programme includes developing the following core competencies:
- Creating a safe environment for young people.
- Mentoring and supporting young people to identify goals and action plans.
- Developing, implementing and evaluating a youth development project.
- Identifying and practising professional and ethical behaviour.
- Engaging and communicating with people, family and whānau who are accessing social services in a manner which respects their socio-cultural identity, experiences and self-knowledge.
- Developing relationships and supporting a goal of improving outcomes for people accessing services.
- Demonstrating a knowledge of kawa and tikanga and the ability to relate the unique place Māori have as tangata whenua of Aotearoa in their role.
- Understanding New Zealand’s health and wellbeing challenges and the impact on their role.
- Displaying self-awareness, reflective practice and personal leadership in the workplace.
- Actively contributing to a culture of professionalism, safety and quality in the workplace.
- Gaining an in-depth knowledge of a condition or impairment and situation or issue and applying the new knowledge to the young person they support.
Watch the short video to see why Marlborough Youth Trust invested in upskilling their youth workers
How is this programme delivered?
This Careerforce apprenticeship is a well supported, workplace training programme. Whilst the learning at this level is self directed, a team of dedicated Apprenticeship Advisors provide pastoral care and support.
How long is the programme?
The programme should take between 18 and 24 months.
What does this programme cost?
Enrolment is this programme is FREE.
* This programme presently has free enrolment via the Targeted Training and Apprenticeships Fund (TTAF)
Funding to support your business
Employers may also qualify for the Apprenticeship Boost which provides a wage subsidy for new and existing apprentices in their first two years of training, encouraging employers to retain their current apprentices, and to take on new apprentices. Find out more
Visit our Apprenticeship pages to learn more about health and wellbeing apprenticeships.