Anyone here a youth worker?

I have been looking at what I want to do for a job...

After lots of thought I have decided that I want to be a youth worker, or work in that field.

I have wealth of experince of outdoor ed, teaching and I have lots of experince in the creative arts, along with professionl experince and training. Now over 2 years experince of the criminal justicse system.

I have been looking at the kind of jobs I want to go for, a lot of them require a JNC qualifcation (NVQ) in youth work. What the best way to go about it? There don't seem many jobs out there, that want unqaulifed ppl.

So what would be the best option?

1) Work as volunteer, get the foot in the door and get a job that way?
2) Hopefully get a job, go in then study as I work to get the NVQ.
3) Go to Uni full time and get the further bits of paper that I need?

I already have a BA (Hons) degree and a HND.

Or any other suggestions? Thx

Volunteer youth worker? My garden could do with a mow. I'm pretty young

[Biker Biggles]

Dont give up your day job while you are looking/training.The grass may well be a lot browner elsewhere,so dont burn your bridges.

option 2 is what mrs giggles did and now she is about to pass the nvq (i have been relyably informed) and has been working with crazy people for 2 years now, the good thing with the mental health thing is there will always bge more nutters to deal with

and yes i am her homework

p.s she had a degree in health but still had to do an nvq strange but true

Yes. Although I've been doing it for years and years part time, at first voluntarily, and later paid with training. I have also done it full time too. It can lead to other things. Basically you need to get in touch with your local schemes, and offer to come in a work...you will be amazed at how quickly you can go from volunteer to paid staff if you are prepared to put the hours in.

There will be absolutely loads of ways in, especially in London...pm me and I will see what i can do to help...give you some agencies to contact etc.

Volunteer, look into starting the nvq thye can very often be done when working and look for full time work tellin gthem you've stsrted or are willing to do nvq.

They like bits of papaer even if you can do the job it pigeon holes you into thier world!!!!

Good luck with what you've chosen the wolrd needs more people willing to work with the youth they are left in the cold and people wonder why they have issues!!

P.S. I work with the litlle ones and they are a challenge in themselves so I dont envy you

Get in touch with the Prince's Trust-they are very helpful, my son works for them as a youth support worker, they have trained him from scratch, they have good local and community links too.

read todays wed 15th guardian for a youths perspective and perhaps some alternatives