For many years, the Unit has supported the progression of youth work training in the region. The Unit has acted as the Regional Accreditation and Moderation Panel (RAMP) for initial youth work courses, and has operated as an ABC centre for the NVQ and VRQ level 2 youth work course. The introduction of an NVQ/VRQ structure to youth work has brought about significant change in the region. Initial youth work training is now delivered by a number of different agencies including local authority youth services, the voluntary youth sector, further education colleges and adult education departments. There has also been an expansion in professional qualifying training in the region with new foundation degrees, diploma courses, degrees and post graduate qualifications.
In recent years, the Unit has worked closely with youth service training officers to assist in the transition to the new NVQ structure. The Unit has coordinated meetings with the voluntary youth sector, FE colleges, universities in the region and other training providers, to ensure that there are adequate and appropriate training opportunities for prospective youth workers. The introduction of new integrated working methods is now having an impact on all levels of youth work training and the Unit has commissioned a regional workforce development strategy to assist partners in the transition to new ways of working and delivering services to young people.
The Unit is committed to supporting colleagues across the region through the transition period towards integrated service delivery. The development of the ‘fit for purpose’ workforce and the inclusion of youth work within the development of an effective workforce is an essential aspect of our development work in the coming years.
Posted by selina