How to Become a Youth Worker

This qualification provides the foundational skills for working with and supporting young people in the community. Learn how to facilitate and develop services to address young people’s social, behavioural, health, welfare, and protection needs.

The average duration of this course is one year full-time, and it can be delivered online or in-class. You need to complete work placement requirements and may be able to study self-paced, depending on the course provider.

Government funding or fee subsidies are often available for youth work qualifications. In Victoria, the Certificate IV in Youth Work is offered under Free TAFE, so you may not have to pay anything for your course. Enquire about a course to find out if you’re eligible.

This course provides the skills to work with vulnerable young people and guide them to achieve their life goals.

A Diploma in Youth Work follows a Certificate IV by diving further into the technical skills required for the role. Entry requirements depends on the course provider.

The average course duration is one year, and it can be delivered online, in class, or blended. There’s also a work placement component.

Government funding or fee subsidies may be available to you. Enquire about a course to find out if you’re eligible.

This course provides skills for managing and coordinating support services to individuals, groups, and communities. 

This qualification level offers specialised skills in community services and prepares the learner to work autonomously and supervise other workers under the broader direction of senior employees in the industry.

The average course duration is 18 months, and many providers offer a blended learning format. This course also involves a work placement.

Government funding or fee subsidies may be available to you. In Victoria, the Diploma of Community Services is offered under Free TAFE, so you may not have to pay anything for your course. Enquire about a course to find out if you’re eligible.

This short course provides skills in childhood development, counselling and mental health in young people. 

This course is an excellent option if you would like a self-paced course that’s entirely online. 

The course duration is 300 hours and is not government funded.

This course is the minimum requirement for a role in youth and family intervention, including practice specialisations in residential and out of home care, family support and early intervention. You’d be qualified to work under broad supervision by senior staff members.

Some course providers require you to be currently employed and have relevant experience to enrol in this course. Some require applicants to undergo a Pre-training and Language Literacy and Numeracy Assessment, which the provider arranges.

The average duration for this course is one year, which can be self-paced and can be delivered in a blended learning format. There is a work placement element involved. 

Government fee subsidies may be available to you.