Launch of the new Broad Award Standards for Youth Work at NFQ Level 5

QQI and the North-South Education and Training Standards Committee (NSETS) for Youth Work are thrilled to announce the launch of the new Broad Award Standards for Youth Work at NFQ Level 5.

Youth work is an informal, international practice supporting young peoples’ growth. Rooted in voluntary participation, equality, social justice, human rights, and partnership, youth work fosters mutual respect, empowerment, and a strong sense of agency.

Purpose

It is intended that this new Broad Award Standards for Youth Work will be used as reference to guide the development of FET programmes, equipping the learner with the knowledge, skills and competence to:

• understand the distinctive nature of youth work as an (informal and non-formal) educational practice which is underpinned by specific values, principles and processes
• engage in and contribute effectively to youth work responses, under the direction of a professional youth worker, in a broad range of settings
• progress to further and/or higher education.

Development

Developed in partnership with key stakeholders led by the North-South Education and Training Standards Committee (NSETS) for Youth Work which is hosted by the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI), these comprehensive award standards serve as a valuable guide for educators and practitioners.

Public consultations were conducted to ensure their relevance and practical application.

Scope

The new broad award standards cover the NFQ level 5 in the field of youth work.

Impact

It is endeavoured that these new broad awards standards will support providers in designing fit-for-purpose programmes ultimately driving meaningful change within communities across our country.