Professional education for youth workers : an evaluation

Abstract

Youth work is an umbrella term which covers activities with and for young people of a social, cultural and educational or political nature. It can be carried out in various settings and using various methodologies, to create the right opportunities to support young people and cater for their needs. Youth workers need to be equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitude to be able to instil the development of young people. When youth workers attend training programmes they can offer quality service, and through evaluation, these training programmes for youth workers are given more value. The course for the degree of B.A. (Hons.)Youth and Community Studies aims for individuals to attain the necessary competences to work with young people. This study evaluates this course to value the work done and improve where needed. The four-level evaluation model by Kirkpatrick was used. This model analyses many dimensions, starting from reaction to the course, to the various learning outcomes and benefits of it, together with the increased competence in the field and the benefits from the work done. A combination of quantitative and qualitative tools were used for this evaluative study. The main results from this research show that the youth workers think highly of the course they undertook. They had a very positive reaction towards the course and feel that it has contributed to their personal development. Moreover, they feel more competent and confident to work with young people. The youth workers feel prepared to work in the field and have been appraised to give a good service to young people. The leaders of organisations or entities also feel that the course is very beneficial in professionally educating youth workers. Notwithstanding this, there are some areas for improvement that can be done, which have been suggested by the participants involved in this study and which I have put forward.