Youth Worker (WA)

Education and Training:

To become a youth worker you usually have to complete a VET qualification in youth work, youth justice, community services work or child, youth and family intervention. As subjects can vary between institutions, you should contact your chosen institution for further details. You may be able to study through distance education.

You can also become a youth worker by studying community services work, social science, counselling or a related field at university. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your WACE at Stages 2 and 3 with English. Most universities in Australia offer degrees in these areas. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact Open Universities Australia or the universities you are interested in for more information as requirements may change.

You can also become a youth worker through a traineeship in Youth Work, Youth Justice, Community Services Work or Community Services Advocacy. Entry requirements may vary but employers usually require Year 10. Ask your career adviser about the possibility of starting some of this training in school.

See the entries for Community Worker, Social Worker and Welfare Worker for further information.

Additional Information:

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Community Services Training Package that will expand your career opportunities within this industry.

Introductory training is available as a volunteer through Scouts, Guides, church groups and special welfare programs (e.g. Youthlink, Lifeline or YMCA/YWCA). In addition, some employing agencies offer in-service training for new employees in areas such as street work, counselling, group work and information services.

Applicants will require a police clearance and a Working with Children Check. In WA, the Working with Children Check is issued by the Working with Children Screening Unit of the Department for Child Protection. For details, see the website at www.checkwwc.wa.gov.au.

Related Courses:

While the following courses are related to this occupation, they may not necessarily lead directly to employment, nor provide the most direct pathway to the occupation. Courses which provide preliminary or informal training, as well as those which provide additional job skills following initial qualifications may also be listed.

*Course is offered by more than one institution. Click link for details.