Traineeship in Youthwork

Young people have experienced significant challenges over the lockdowns as a result of COVID-19, where their mental health and social development has been challenged in ways never experienced before. Qualified, dedicated youth workers have never been more important and in as much demand to support young people through these challenging times. Community Development/Youth Work is a highly rewarding career. Individuals who choose this course should be energetic and highly motivated to make a difference. A voice and advocate for social change, driven to work with disadvantaged individuals and groups.

This QQI award in Community Development will enable the learner to acquire the knowledge, skills and competence to work within youth work sectors, whether private, voluntary or statutory. The learner will gain additional skills and knowledge in response to the changing youth work environment and develop and maintain relationships with young people so that they can reach their full potential.

This 38-week (9 months) full time traineeship is a QQI level 6 Advanced Certificate in Community Development (Youthwork).  The course is spilt between classroom based learning in Cavan Institute and work based learning within the Community and Voluntary Sector (three days classroom based; two days in work placement, with a number of block weeks in work placement at busy times for services). It will prepare learners with the range of skills and knowledge to implement and deliver community development programmes to young people that adhere to the key community development principles of participation, empowerment and collective decision making.

This traineeship has worked with many youth services in Cavan and Monaghan when trainees secured their work placements and gained invaluable, practical experience. These youth services include: Youth Work Ireland; Teach Oscail, Teach na Daoine and Focus Family Resource Centres; The Cavan Centre; National Learning Network; Youthreach; Cavan Traveller Movement; Cavan County Local Development; Tanagh Outdoor Education Centre and others.

Further Details

Please contact the CMETB recruitment office for an application form and further information on 049 4353924 or email training@cmetb.ie or apply via Fetch.ie link.

Individuals will initially complete 5 days per week in Cavan Institute. When placement has been arranged, appropriate training and Garda Vetting is complete, trainees will then start their work experience (usually at Halloween).  Individuals will source their own placement so it is important that to have thought about the type of community/youth work that they would like to do. It is not essential but it would benefit individuals to have some experience (which can be voluntary). This experience will help in the recruitment process and will benefit individuals in deciding what direction they might want to take in their career.