Become a Youth Worker

Do you want to make a difference but need qualifications and industry experience?

As a youth worker, you’ll have the unique opportunity to provide meaningful support for children and young people, building a genuine connection with them to help address their challenges while fostering their growth and personal development.

This rewarding career allows you to engage directly with young individuals, helping them navigate their unique paths. Whether you’re starting with a Certificate IV or aiming for a Diploma, each step you take will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to create a positive influence in the lives of young people. Start your journey today!

Certificate IV in Youth Work

Gain essential skills to positively impact young people’s lives in this entry-level qualification, ideal for those starting in the field. Focusing on foundational skills and knowledge, you will learn about working in youth programs for social, behavioural, and developmental needs, with career opportunities including roles in community, government, and welfare agencies. Get ready to make a difference!

Diploma of Youth Work

Deepen your expertise and knowledge by learning to develop tailored programs and services that cater to young people’s social, behavioural, health, welfare, and developmental needs, and undertake advanced courses for case management, dealing with homelessness, and more. This qualification requires a minimum of 200 hours vocational placement.

Start your career at Kaizer while you complete your Cert IV in Youth Work

Through our accredited training partner, Strategix RTO #31418, you can complete formal training qualifications that pave the way for your rewarding new career as a youth worker.

Kaizer collaborates closely with Strategix to offer placements within our team as you progress through your course. This on-the-job learning approach provides long-term engagement benefits and opens opportunities for a permanent position in our team, allowing you to gain practical experience while you learn.

Additionally, you can apply to join our team if you are enrolled or planning to enrol in a Certificate IV in Youth Work or related qualification. 

Related study areas

In addition to Certificate IV in Youth Work and Diploma of Youth Work, other related fields of study offered by our accredited training partner, Strategix RTO # 31418, include community services and counselling qualifications. 

Cert II in Community Services
Cert III in Community Services
Diploma of Community Services
Diploma of Counselling

Frequently asked questions

How long does becoming a Youth Worker take?

The course duration of Certificate IV in Youth Work delivered through Strategix depends on the delivery method.

On campus (QLD& SA): 16 weeks, including vocational placement
Workplace: 6-12 months (online learning & workplace)
Online: 12 months, including vocational placement
International: 25 weeks, including vocational placement

What pre-requisites or entry conditions do I need?

To enrol in Certificate IV in Youth Work, you must be over 17 years old, not attending secondary school, able to complete a language, literacy, and numeracy test, and be able to pass a working with children check and police check.

International students must be on a student visa (subclass 500), have an IELTS 5.5 or equivalent English language test result, have completed a 12-week Strategix IELTS Preparation program, and have a Year 12 equivalent High School Graduate Certificate.

I did not finish Year 12 at school. Do I still qualify?

Yes! If you are over 17 years old and are not attending secondary school, you can enrol to complete your Certificate IV in Youth Work.

You must complete a language, literacy, and numeracy test and pass a working with children check and police check.

What's the difference between a Certificate and a Diploma? Which one should I choose?

Choosing between a Certificate IV and a Diploma in Youth Work depends on your career goals and educational background. The Certificate IV in Youth Work is an entry-level qualification ideal for those starting in the field. It focuses on foundational skills and knowledge for developing and delivering youth programs.

The Diploma of Youth Work provides a more in-depth exploration of youth services, including case management, homelessness, developing and managing youth programs, and connecting with services. It’s suited for individuals looking to take on more strategic or supervisory roles within youth work settings.

If you are new to youth work or seeking basic qualifications, the Certificate IV in Youth Work is a great start. If you aim to deepen your expertise and take on higher responsibilities, the Diploma might be the better choice.

What careers can I have with a Certificate IV or higher in Youth Work?
A Certificate IV or higher in Youth Work offers many rewarding career opportunities, including working in community, government, or welfare agencies. 
How much workplace experience will I need to complete in the course?

No minimum number of placement hours is required for Certificate IV in Youth Work; however, students need to obtain experience and satisfactorily demonstrate a series of skills. It is recommended that students complete 40 – 80 hours to get meaningful experience.

The placement may be voluntary or paid employment in a relevant role, and students must obtain the site-specific clearances required. This may include a disability clearance, working with children check, or police check.

Kaizer offers vocational placements for Youth Work, which can be completed as part of the Workplace delivery method or as a standalone placement. You can apply here.

Why Youth Work is a great career in Queensland right now

Supported training

Kaizer supports your journey with practical training placements. While pursuing your youth work qualification, Kaizer provides hands-on experience in a nurturing environment, mentorship, and supervision to help you transition from theoretical knowledge to practical application.

Immediate jobs available

Youth work in Queensland is experiencing robust job growth, reflecting an increasing demand for skilled professionals. This trend ensures ample career opportunities for qualified youth workers, making it an ideal time to enter and secure a stable, impactful position in a community-focused profession.

Hear from the Kaizer team