MEMBERSHIP

Youth Workers Australia is open to all qualified Youth Workers. This includes those studying in youth work courses from Certificate IV to Bachelor and Post-Graduate studies. Those without formal qualifications, but with extensive youth work experience are also eligible to apply.

The constitution of the YWA currently recognises all youth work degree qualifications gained through the following:

• RMIT University
• Victoria University
• Australian Catholic University
• University of Western Sydney graduates until 2016
• Edith Cowan University graduates until 2023

These meet the requirements for full membership, TAFE level Cert IV and diploma of youth work as qualifying for Associate membership. Additionally, we have also developed an alternative experience-based pathway to membership.

Why be a member of the YWA?

The YWA is a Professional Association that is focused on profiling the key skills, knowledge and professional frameworks of youth work.

The YWA endeavours to endorse courses to improve quality and training, and this has been done at Victoria University, with other TAFE’s and Universities following suit.

The YWA can provide you with current resources in all areas of youth work with current literature, resources and best practice information are sourced from both national and international organisations for members to share.

We were active in developing the Code of Ethical Practice and are now engaged in an international survey of youth workers that will contribute to updating the code.

We are a global partner improving professional practice across the 54 Commonwealth counties.

We have established a blog and many current resources on our website.

By being a financial member you support the work of our volunteer organisation, being able to provide you with opportunities to participate in professional development to share in youth work conferences, celebrations, share best-practice ideas. or perhaps tell the story of your organisation.

Contribute to building a Professional Association that is focused on profiling the key skills, knowledge, and professional frameworks of youth work.

We will continue to look for opportunities to work with the peak bodies, unions and Government to improve the profile of professional youth workers.

Come and join us, be a financial member to contribute to the work. In doing so you will have discounts at all Professional Development.

Alternative Membership Information

The YWA has an alternative category for membership. This category enables an applicant who does not have a Bachelor of Youth Work to apply for membership under this alternative category.

The criteria for this category are the following;

An applicant must have a cognate degree such as Community Development or Community Services that have a significant youth work component which is interpreted as a major (minimum 6 units) in youth work.

The applicant must be able to evidence a minimum of 7 years of Youth Work experience some of which must be in the previous 3 years to indicate industry preparedness.

The applicant must have a support letter from a current member of Youth Workers Australia.

Process

The applicant will have to provide the following documentation;

· A certified copy of the cognate undergraduate degree

· Unit outlines of units that are claimed as a Youth Work major

· A comprehensive resume with referees

· A support letter from a current member of the YWA

This information will be sent to the Memberships Officer who will review and make a recommendation to the Board.

Eligibility Requirements

The eligibility requirements are as follows:

Must be over 18 years of age;

Have Australian Citizenship or Permanent Residency status;

Provide proof of enrolment or qualification;

Alternate membership applicants must provide a resume and qualifications.

Types of Membership

For Organisational membership please enquire at membership@ywa.org.au

Memberships are tax-deductible.