The purpose of the qualification is to prepare practitioners who are responsible for the development of young adults in initiatives designed to develop the youth and to integrate them into the working economy and society. Youth development practitioners/workers must be competent regarding professional conduct, protocol, networking, process facilitation, coaching and mentoring, lay-counselling, facilitating learning, managing projects, facilitating entry into the labour market, research, communication and various other areas of specialisation.

Qualified learners are able to engage with young people and ensure their participation in all phases of development interventions, and work with them to ensure sustainability and ownership. They can facilitate the mainstreaming of young people. They understand the history of youth development, youth development structures, policies and legislation to take advantage of opportunities created, and the definition of youth development. They can identify and describe the indicators and outcomes of youth development interventions, and can facilitate access to economic, development, career, and other opportunities for young people. They understand the physical and socio-economic needs of, and challenges and opportunities for young people, and promote citizenship.

Qualified learners are capable of:

• Developing and empowering themselves for youth development practice.
• Assessing specific community needs and responses for youth development interventions.
• Building and maintaining relationships with all relevant stakeholders for various purposes of youth development.
• Facilitating the development of young people to realise their potential.
• Facilitating processes for various youth development purposes.
• Contributing effectively to national youth development initiatives.
• Implementing youth development projects for sustainability.

Duration: 1 year

Entry Requirement: Grade 12 or NQF Level 4