Practical Skills You’ll Learn in a Child and Youth Worker College Program
Child and youth workers play a critical role in the wellbeing of emotionally troubled children and youth. These workers implement a broad range of strategies to address social, emotional and behavioural challenges faced by young people and their families.
From advanced communication to emergency intervention, top training programs will prepare child and youth workers for even the most difficult professional scenarios. These skills are often consolidated through work placements, introducing students to the ins and outs of this challenging but satisfying career.
Are you curious about the practical skills you’ll learn in a Child and Youth Worker course program? Keep reading to find out more!
Communication Skills are a Crucial Asset for Child and Youth Workers
Among the skills that set the best child and youth workers apart, communication is essential. Communication strategies are critical for understanding the particular problems young people might be facing – and imparting the expertise they require.
Alongside the best practices in counselling, training programs impart communication techniques for a variety of professional scenarios. In particular, advanced communication techniques can assist in cases of clients with autism spectrum disorders, allowing child and youth workers to adapt their skills to these individuals’ particular needs.
ASD workshops focus on visual, supportive and communication skills
Communication is a key outcome of these comprehensive courses. For instance, KLC College’s Child and Youth Worker program cultivates strong communication with two ‘Communication Skills’ modules, and a specialized workshop on autism spectrum disorders. This prepares graduates to deploy their expertise even when communication proves challenging.
A Child and Youth Worker College Education Prepares Students for Crisis Situations
Child and youth worker college education also builds skills for crisis situations, with prevention often taught as the best approach. In many cases, colleges will impart the skills required to deescalate disruptive or violent behaviours. These skills may be especially helpful when working with adolescents, offering them alternative – and non-violent – channels to express emotional troubles. Exemplifying this learning outcome, KLC’s Crisis Prevention Intervention workshop trains students in non-violent solutions to problem behaviour.
KLC also offers a Level ‘C’ workshop in First Aid and CPR, preparing students for health emergencies. With this type of training, Child and Youth Worker course programs prepare their graduates with tried and tested strategies for even the most difficult situations.
Practicum Experience is Crucial for Professional Training
While in a child and youth worker college program, students also benefit from practicum experience, either alongside their studies or upon finishing in-class learning. These work placements are perhaps the most important element of skill development ahead of a child and youth worker career.
A high-paced work environment builds new professional aptitudes and consolidates course learning outcomes. In addition to the skills required to work with youth and children, students learn to work with colleagues and professionals in adjoining fields.
Work placements help students network and find future opportunities
Helping students acquire invaluable professional experience, work placements focus on the practical application of taught skills, professional ethics, and program outcomes. This experience helps round out in-class training, ensuring graduates are ready to excel in their careers.
Are you ready to start your child and youth care worker training?
Contact KLC College to learn more about our program!