Commissioners Information Bulletin 047
Issued: 8 April 1999

Youth Work Traineeship

At the request of CareSkills, the Community Services and Health Industry Training Company, the Department of Education and Training has agreed to the interim registration of a Youth Work Traineeship pending approval of the relevant Vocational Training Order (VTO) to enable its implementation in NSW.

The need for the introduction of formal entry level training arrangements for youth workers was recognised by the Youth Sector Training Advisory Group, convened by CareSkills and the NSW Community Services and Health ITAB. The traineeship is designed to ensure that participants have the necessary knowledge and skills to work effectively in the youth sector of the community services industry.

The course was accredited in the ACT as a Certificate III in Youth Work (National Code 5368). The accreditation period expires on 31 December 2000. The course is aligned with the National Competency Standards for the Youth Sector which were endorsed in October 1997.

This traineeship provides training and skill development in areas such as: -

• youth sector work
• youth sector workplace issues
• the needs and rights of young people
• using resources and networks relevant to the youth sector
• administrative management
• working with groups

The training is for a nominal term of twelve months. The course comprises 12 compulsory modules totalling 545 nominal hours. Completion of the traineeship will deliver competence to the AQF level 3.

The traineeship has been designed to deliver a combination of on- and off-the-job training. The delivery style will be structured to suit the needs of the trainee and the employer.

Course structure and modules are attached.

It is anticipated that the initial intake of trainees will consist of 20 trainees. Off-the-job training will be delivered by the Youth Training Council.

Industrial arrangements are being negotiated to apply to trainees within the Social and Community Services Employees Rates of Pay (State) Award. In the meantime, the Australian Services Union has agreed to cover trainees under the Clerical Industry (State) Training Wage Award.

For any enquiries regarding these training arrangements, please contact the Vocational Training Board on (02) 9266-8579.

JILL GIENTZOTIS
Director of Recognition Services