For those without Relevant Qualifications

There are a number of options for those who do not meet the relevant qualification standards of the Western Australian Association of Youth Workers. Some of these allow a practitioner to be involved, but not have full membership others allow those practitioners to gain entry to full membership by other means.

Memberships that are not ‘Full Memberships’

Associate Membership
Associate Membership is available to those practitioners who have completed a relevant qualification but still have to gain the practice time component of membership. To be eligible for Associate Membership you must have a Cert IV, Diploma or an Approved Degree.

For example, a person who has a Cert IV in Youth Work and has 2 years paid practice would not be eligible for full membership for another 2 years. This person can become an ‘Associate Member’ while they are waiting.

Friend of the Association
The ‘Friend of the Association’ category is for people affiliated with Youth Work who do not meet the requirements of Full Membership. For example students, unqualified youth workers, Cert III in Youth Work holders, volunteers, and other interested parties. People applying for this category do not need to provide as much paper work as other categories.

Gaining Full Membership by other means

Sunset Clause – For those with more than 15 years experience
Until 2011, a Sunset Clause will be open to those practitioners who have extensive experience in the field but have not gained relevant formal qualifications. To be eligible for Membership under the Sunset Clause a practitioner must have at least 15 years paid experience in the wider youth work field and will be required to submit an application for membership. This application will include a Resume and 2 professional references. Interviews will be held if there is uncertainty after the application process. ‘Sunset Clause’ practitioners will be recognised at the ‘Certified Practitioner’ level.

Individual Recognition – For those with complex educational situations that are ‘equivalent’.
Strict membership requirements cannot take into account the situations of all practitioners. Some practitioners have a complex educational situation that does not meet the direct requirements of the Association, but could be seen as equivalent to qualifications mentioned, for example combinations of University and TAFE training. For these practitioners, from October of 2009, an Individual Recognition Process will be available so that they might apply for inclusion. Individuals without formal qualifications will not be eligible. Further details of this process will be available closer to that time. If you think that you may like to pursue Individual Recognition when it becomes available, please contact WAAYW at info@waayw.org to let us know about your situation so that we may better design the process.

Recognition of Prior Learning – For experienced youth workers
Recognition of prior learning (RPL) processes are available through most major educational institutions including TAFE and University. These processes take into account the knowledge and skills that you have developed as part of your ongoing employment in the field. By applying for RPL you may be able to gain a qualification without the necessity of taking classes, or you may realise that you will only need to complete 1 or 2 more units to complete a qualification.

Follow this link for information about RPL through the TAFE system: http://www.tafe.wa.edu.au/BusinessAndIndustry/Pages/ Gainingrecognitionandfasttrackcourses.aspx

Feedback
The Western Australian Association of Youth Workers has selected these Membership Requirements taking into consideration the situation of many people currently practicing Youth Work. The Requirements seek to find a balance between being inclusive of the diversity of practitioners whilst still remaining committed to a field that is aspirational in its pursuit of further education. WAAYW also acknowledges that the decisions made about requirements are merely a starting point and welcomes feedback, either positive or negative, from the field. Future changes to Membership Requirements will be placed in the hands of members. Any feedback can be emailed to info@waayw.org

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