Follow your passion for creating change in the lives of young people by becoming a qualified youth worker. Support young people to take action to improve their lives while enhancing their social and mental wellbeing.
Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:
Take on management responsibilities in youth work
Communicate and engage respectfully with young people
Provide a range of services for young people
Identify and respond to critical situations
Assist young people to make positive choices
Work with a diverse range of young people
Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.
A nationally accredited qualification at diploma level
Experience working in the industry through your work placement
The skills to promote the principles of social justice in youth work practice
Confidence to mentor young people and teach resilience
A strong pathway to continue your studies in community services and youth work
Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol
During your study you’ll need to provide your teacher with the following evidence:
A Working with Children Check (WWCC)
A National Police Check (NPC)
NDIS Worker Screening Check as required
Vaccination and health screenings
Any additional evidence your work placement provider requires
To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:
The ability to work with people in difficult situations and circumstances
Empathy, patience, and the capacity to empower others
Good computer skills and digital literacy to complete your coursework
Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) at a Year 12 high school level
TAFE NSW may ask you to complete a Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) skills test. This helps us to understand your individual study needs, to design an individualised plan that supports your study success and ensures your LLN skills match the demands of the course.
This qualification contains content, concepts and scenarios that may be distressing. Please consider your personal resilience and any potential emotional triggers when participating in this qualification and in any future employment in this field.
If you need help preparing for study, contact us about your options.
TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.
Our graduates go onto roles like: youth worker and working with children and young people in a variety of different services and contexts.
Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:
Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.
Advance your skills to take your career to the next level
Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.
At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.
Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Diploma of Youth Work qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 21 units of competency, including 16 core and 5 speciality units.
Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.
Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.
TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.
TAFE NSW Disability Support Service
TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support
TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)
TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service
TAFE NSW Libraries
Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential
Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home
LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills
Student associations – get social with our student community