CYA has just launched the latest version of youth work training at level 2 and level 3. The new version sees CYA working with Youth Focus North West and Your Edge Training to recruit staff and volunteers from around Cumbria’s youth sector to do either level 2 or 3 online with evening webinars on either Monday or Wednesday during term time. The training is free as it is funded by National Lottery Community Fund for five years. The new version builds upon the success of the youth work training pilot run by CYA in 2021 in conjunction with the National Youth Agency (NYA).
Also during 2022/23 we have worked as part of the Better Tomorrows programme funded by Cumbria Community Foundation to develop youth work training around the county delivered for us by the CADAS training team who previously did this as Young Cumbria.
The new course was launched at a ‘meet the trainers’ event at Stricklandgate House, Kendal on Friday 22nd March; Paul Hogan Senior Trainer from Your Edge introduced learners and their supervisors to the course outline; the level 2 award introduces learners to the four basic units; those who wish to progress to level 3 will do a further 5 units, enrolling in September.
Debbie Terras and Steve Walker from University of Cumbria also joined the group to introduce their new Youth Work apprenticeship degree programme. This will begin at level 4, so will provide progression for those who have achieved level 3 (c50 over the past three years in Cumbria). The University degree programme will also be of interest to managers and supervisors in Cumbria looking to their own professional development and will also be delivered primarily online, culminating at level 6. We will circulate the details as soon as they come through. Debbie and Steve have been invited to introduce their course outline at the next Voluntary Sector Reference Group meeting in June.
At lunch the group was introduced to David Beeby, Chair of Cumbria Community Foundation, who developed the Better Tomorrows programme during his year as High Sheriff in 2022. David stayed and joined in some of the activities and we heard from the learners about their personal journeys and motivation for wanting to become youth workers which was quite moving. Better Tomorrows has so far funded 35 new youth work posts around Cumbria. David explained the role of Better Tomorrows and gave all present a heartfelt thank you for making his dream come true; rebuilding the youth sector in Cumbria. This was much appreciated and all present expressed their thanks to David, who is now engaged in the next round of fundraising to continue to build upon what Better Tomorrows has achieved so far.
Cumbria Youth Alliance already has a waiting list for the next group to enrol in September 2024. Contact juan@cya.org.uk