ABC Awards is one of the leading awarding organisations offering youth work qualifications.

We work with a range of stakeholders from across the industry including the National Youth Agency (NYA) and the National Council for Voluntary Youth Services (NCVYS) to ensure that our qualifications meet the needs of the youth support sector.

The vocational qualifications start at Level 1 and go up to the Level 3 Diploma, which upon completion will qualify candidates to become Youth Support Workers.

ABC Awards is also part of a small consortium of awarding organisations who are working closely with the NYA and the Education Training Standards Committee (ETS) England and ETS Wales to ensure that our youth work qualifications are developed to meet National Occupational Standards.

Maralyn Smith, Development Director at the NYA, said:

“The National Youth Agency, a leading youth organisation, is also the guardian of youth work standards in qualifications. As well as validating and endorsing youth work qualifications we encourage collaborative working between different awarding bodies through chairing the awarding organisations group.

“We act as youth work consultants, last year using our expertise, alongside ETS Wales, to revise and rework the Level 2 and 3 youth work qualifications, ensuring they are rigorous and fit for purpose in today’s jobs market. Undertaking this work in conjunction with the awarding organisations ensured a consistent and joined up approach to Level 2 and 3 qualifications in England and Wales.”

As part of the redevelopment, the Level 2 Award and Certificate in Youth Work Practice has been adjusted to permit candidates from the age of 14 in England, opening up the door for schools to offer youth work as part of their vocational curriculum.

After completing the qualification at Level 2, learners will be able to start careers as a competent Assistant Youth Support Worker or progress on to higher level qualifications if they wish to forge careers as qualified Youth Support Workers.

The Level 2 qualifications give an overview of theory of youth work and help learners gain an understanding of safeguarding, young people’s development and how to engage and communicate with young people. Those working towards the Certificate will also have the opportunity to explore optional units including working with young people who misuse substances and supporting young people with disabilities.

The age guidance for the Level 3 Certificate and Diploma in Youth Work Practice has also changed, meaning that colleges and training providers working with learners from the age of 16 can now offer the qualifications to more young people, either standalone or as part of an ABC Awards apprenticeship.

ABC Awards offers the following qualifications in youth work:

The Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications can also form the combined qualification components for Intermediate and Advanced Level apprenticeships in Youth Work (England) and Foundation and Level 3 apprenticeships in Youth Work (Wales).

We work with a range of organisations including schools, colleges, training providers and employers to help them deliver youth work qualifications. If you would like to find out more about how we can help you to train your learners or upskill your workforce, call our team on 0115 854 1620 or email janeh@abcawards.co.uk.

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