Certificate IV in Youth Work

About this course

If you enjoy working with young people and want to make a difference in their lives, a career in youth work may be for you.

This course will prepare you to deliver programs for young people. You will learn skills for relating to young people and approaches to address their needs in the areas of:

social
behavioural
health
welfare
developmental
protection.

Youth workers work in government funded, non-government and youth sector organisations. Many operate under indirect supervision with a fair level of autonomy.

Some course providers may provide pathways to work placements to gain industry experience.

This qualification is recognised nationally under the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF).

This course can be done as a traineeship. You’ll get technical knowledge through coursework and hands-on experience through paid work. On completion you will receive a nationally recognised qualification.

To enrol as a trainee, you’ll need:
1. a job in a relevant workplace in the same field as your course, and
2. an employer willing to sign a Commonwealth Government ‘Training Contract’ and support your learning at work.
To get started:
- contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider for information on finding an employer and for ongoing support
- find a course provider that delivers the course as a traineeship.
To get help:
- contact the TAFE and Training Line
- visit our apprenticeships and traineeships page
- visit Apprenticeships Victoria.

Units of study

Core units

Unit title	Unit code
Use communication to build relationships	CHCCOM002
Recognise and respond appropriately to domestic and family violence	CHCDFV001
Work with diverse people	CHCDIV001
Promote Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander cultural safety	CHCDIV002
Plan and conduct group activities	CHCGRP002
Work legally and ethically	CHCLEG001
Work with people with mental health issues	CHCMHS001
Work effectively in trauma informed care	CHCMHS007
Identify and report children and young people at risk	CHCPRT025
Engage respectfully with young people	CHCYTH013
Work effectively with young people in the youth work context	CHCYTH014
Support young people to create opportunities in their lives	CHCYTH015
Respond to critical situations	CHCYTH016
Provide services for the needs and circumstances of young people	CHCYTH022
Participate in workplace health and safety	HLTWHS001

Elective units

Unit title	Unit code
Work in an alcohol and other drugs context	CHCAOD001
Assess needs of clients with alcohol and other drugs issues	CHCAOD004
Increase the safety of individuals at risk of suicide	CHCCCS003
Facilitate responsible behaviour	CHCCCS009
Respond to client needs	CHCCCS016
Provide individualised support	CHCCCS031
Visit client residence	CHCCCS037
Support collaborative planning processes	CHCCDE017
Work within a community development framework	CHCCDE019
Communicate and work in health or community services	CHCCOM005
Coordinate complex case requirements	CHCCSM012
Confirm developmental status	CHCDEV004
Develop, implement and review sexual and reproductive health education programs	CHCEDU004
Support group activities	CHCGRP001
Deliver structured programs	CHCGRP004
Respond to client language, literacy and numeracy needs	CHCLLN001
Provide services to people with co-existing mental health and alcohol and other drugs issues	CHCMHS005
Assess and promote social, emotional and physical wellbeing	CHCMHS011
Develop and maintain networks and collaborative partnerships	CHCPRP001
Support the rights and safety of children and young people	CHCPRT026
Work effectively in child protection to support children, young people and families	CHCPRT028
Provide support to children and youth in out-of-home care	CHCPRT033
Work with forced migrants	CHCSET003
Undertake bicultural work with forced migrants in Australia	CHCSET004
Work with people experiencing or at risk of homelessness	CHCSOH013
Work with clients within the social housing system	CHCSOH021
Work effectively with young people and their nominated carer or families	CHCYTH023

Course providers

This course is offered by the following providers. Click on the links to the provider websites for the latest information on course details, fees and how to apply.

Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Dandenong
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Chisholm Institute for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Moorabbin
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Holmesglen Institute for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Melbourne City (Melbourne)
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit RMIT for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Wantirna, Hawthorn
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Swinburne University of Technology for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Geelong City (Geelong)
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit The Gordon for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider
Government funding for eligible students:
Locations: Footscray Nicholson (Footscray), Werribee
Delivery modes: Full time on-campus
- Visit Victoria University for course details, fees and how to apply
- Check our FAQs on choosing a course and provider