The YANQ Workforce Development Project aims to develop a sustainable and vibrant youth sector workforce in Queensland, which protects and promotes young people’s rights. This requires articulation of a set of competencies, distinguished by the values, attitudes, knowledge and skills required of workers.

One of the key recommendations of the “Youth Sector in Qld” report was to develop a clear definition of youth work and its place in the youth (services) sector and this discussion paper is the first step in this process. It is designed to stimulate discussion amongst a broad spectrum of stakeholders. YANQ will also engage with education and training providers, and encourage them to contribute papers, and review articles from sector workers, which critically explore the issues. These will be produced as a limited hard copy issue of New Transitions, the YANQ youth work journal. Read the discussion paper here: What is Youth Work?

Together, this process will enable and enrich 12 months of sector-wide discussion and debate – leading to creation of a working definition of what youth work is and who the youth sector represents.

In order to have a sound basis for future promotion, mapping and development of the youth sector workforce, it is essential that the definitions of youth work and the youth sector are sophisticated. These definitions must be informed by learning from the historic context; understanding available national and international data; and a detailed analysis of their implications.

These issues are complex. Participation in consultations and discussions will be most effective, if workers have already thought through some of the ideas included in this paper, and drawn some conclusions. Start talking with your co-workers and networks now!!! Perhaps you could host a breakfast catch-up or politics in the pub one Friday night in your region, to encourage informal discussion amongst workers? Or, if you’ve developed some concrete thoughts – submit an article for the forthcoming special edition of New Transitions.

Watch out for opportunities to contribute your ideas through forums and events – at a local, regional and state level – throughout 2011.

YANQ will also engage with youth sector managers, universities, TAFEs, government and other key stakeholders and explore the best way to respond to youth sector development needs with course designers. Academics will be encouraged to play a key role in the debate over the next 12 months – both in terms of contributing their own research and ideas, and providing peer review of workers’ articles.

So get involved and help shape the future of youth work in Queensland.