Certificate IV in Youth Work

Certificate IV in Youth Work - CHC40413

VOCATIONAL

Passionate about working with young people? Want a career that will make a real difference in their lives?

Student type:
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Full-time 1 year
Next intake:
February, July
Location:
Melbourne City
Learning mode:
On campus
Entry score:

Not applicable

Duration:
Not applicable
Fees:

Not applicable

Next intake:
Not applicable
Location:
Not applicable

This Qualification has been superseded by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment and will change in Semester 2, 2023.

This may result in changes to the program structure, content and fees.

Overview

The role of a youth worker is diverse, with many exciting and challenging career opportunities.

You'll learn to develop and facilitate programs for young people through a range of community-based programs addressing the social, behavioural, health and welfare, developmental and protection needs of young people.

Teaching staff are experienced and highly skilled professionals currently working in the youth work sector, and the curriclum combines workshops, field trips and practical work placement, so you are immersed in professionally relevant experiences from day one.

*This is a Free TAFE priority course. Check your eligibility.

This training is delivered with Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding.

Changes to Free TAFE

*Free TAFE numbers are now capped with limited places for this course.

Free TAFE opportunities in the Certificate IV in Youth Work (CHC40413) are limited, your free place is only guaranteed once you have enrolled. We encourage all prospective students to enrol as soon as possible to secure a Free TAFE place.

Why study youth work at RMIT?

Expert academics

Learn from highly skilled professionals currently active in the youth work sector.

Hands-on learning

Build experience and skills with workshops, field trips and practical work placements.

Industry recognised

This qualification has been validated by the community services and health industries.

Details

Many teaching staff work in industry, so students are exposed to the real world of youth work from their very first day.

This access and connection to the community services sector paves the way for placement and employment opportunities for students.

Classes include a combination of:

  • work-related learning
  • workplace tasks and assessments
  • quizzes
  • case studies
  • group and individual projects
  • oral presentations.

Assessment occurs through a variety of methods including:

  • written reports
  • class activities
  • quizzes
  • work placement observations and tasks.

Guest lecturers provide relevant and up-to-date industry information.

Learning at RMIT

The types of classes you have will depend on the course you’re studying. Classes are offered in various formats designed to provide meaningful engagement with staff, industry and peers and provide for access and use of spaces where learning can be applied and active, including an array of specialised equipment.

Most RMIT courses do not include passive large-scale classes such as lectures, instead the content traditionally provided in lectures is made available online. This may be in the form of readings, videos or other on-demand learning materials. This content will also support the basis of interactive learning that takes place in on-campus classes.

You'll undertake an industry placement over the course of the year, complementing what you're learning in class.

You will have the opportunity to complete placement(s) through a variety of community youth work services.

RMIT University is committed to providing you with an education that strongly links formal learning with hands-on vocational practice.

We work closely with our industry partners to ensure this certificate is aligned with industry needs. This certificate maintains strong links with the community youth work sector through course design, development, delivery and assessment.

You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to real-world projects in international contexts.

Our students have been leading participants in project teams working with partner organisations in the United Kingdom, Asia-Pacific, Europe, India and the USA.

Global work, exchange and study experiences

RMIT offers a range of opportunities for our students to study abroad through global work, exchange and study experiences with over 165 partner universities worldwide.

Full time study of this certificate includes three days per week on-campus (six hours per day), as well as 40-80 hours of work placement conducted outside classroom time.

Students should expect approximately five hours of additional study time per week

The knowledge and skills you will acquire throughout this certificate and how they can be applied in your career are described in the learning outcomes.

This certificate consists of 14 core subjects and 4 elective subjects.

You'll study:

  • case management
  • community development
  • effective communication
  • crisis intervention
  • legal and ethical issues
  • how to plan and conduct group activities
  • how to engage with at risk youth.

Electives allow you to develop additional skills in:

  • working in trauma informed care
  • alcohol and other drugs issues
  • case management.

For local students, this certificate is also offered as a traineeship.

Course structure

Choose a plan below to find out more about the subjects you will study and the course structure.

Certificate IV in Youth Work
Program code: C4352
National curriculum code: CHC40413

Title
Location
Duration
Plan code
CRICOS
Certificate IV in Youth Work
City Campus
One year Full time
C4352
Location
City Campus
Duration
One year Full time
Plan code
C4352
CRICOS

VTAC Code

If you are eligible to apply via VTAC, copy and paste the below code into VTAC search.

  • Plan C4352 - 3200372464

Please ensure that you have checked the admissions requirements and apply page before applying.

Career

Our graduates are highly sought after for a wide range of positions including those in:

  • psycho-social support services, including residential, day program and outreach
  • recreational programs
  • juvenile justice
  • housing
  • schools
  • local government

Graduates have also taken their careers overseas, working with agencies such as Oxfam.

Graduates of this certificate have a range of possible career options and may be employed in roles such as:

  • community development worker (youth)
  • indigenous youth worker
  • recreational youth activities worker
  • residential care worker
  • youth alcohol and other drugs worker
  • youth and family services worker
  • youth housing support worker
  • youth mental health worker
  • juvenile justice worker.

Job Outlook projects that work opportunities for social and youth workers are set to increase by 29.3% to 2024, and up to 28.2% for welfare, recreation and community arts workers. Job Outlook also estimates that the most common annual salary for a youth and community worker in Australia is between $65,000 and $75,000.

This nationally recognised vocational education qualification has been validated by the community services and health industries.

The Certificate IV in Youth Work is the industry requirement to qualify you for work with youth services in community settings throughout Australia.

Admissions

You need to satisfy all of the following academic (entry) requirements to be considered for entry into this course.

There are no minimum academic requirements. You must be at least 18 years of age by the commencement date of the program.

Personal statement

You must submit a personal statement with your application outlining:

  • your reasons for wanting to study this course
  • your intended career path
  • the personal strengths and attributes you will bring to the program
  • details of any related work or voluntary experience

If you are applying to RMIT via VTAC you can complete and submit the VTAC personal statement via your online VTAC account.

If you are applying direct to RMIT you can upload your completed personal statement via your online direct application.

There are no prerequisite subjects required for entry into this qualification.

A selection task is not required for entry into this qualification.

Additional information

If you are successful in obtaining a place in this program, you must meet a number of professional compliance requirements upon commencement of your studies.

Working with Children Check*

You will be required to hold a Victorian Working with Children Check valid for 5 years, prior to undertaking clinical components as part of this program.

Note: For clinical components undertaken interstate a valid Working With Children Check for that state is required.

National police record check*

You will be required to present evidence of a successful National police record check prior to undertaking the clinical components of this program (this is an annual requirement for the duration of your program). Checks are conducted via fit2work. An account with fit2work will be created using your name and your RMIT issued student email address once studies in the program have commenced. Further information will be provided once enrolment has been completed.

NDIS Worker Screening Check*

Applicants may be required to apply for, and receive an acceptable NDIS Worker Screening Check prior to undertaking professional placement with an NDIS provider as part of this program.

*All relevant screening and compliance check fees are the responsibility of the student. 

Non-academic abilities you’ll need to complete this program

The following information outlines the tasks you will be required to undertake during professional experience placement and on-campus learning activities.

The non-academic abilities listed are provided for your information only and are not entry requirements.

If there are any activities outlined which may be difficult for you to undertake, there are a range of adjustments to your study conditions available to enable and support you to demonstrate these abilities. Please contact the Equitable Learning Service to discuss any adjustments you may require.

By understanding the types of activities you’ll participate in, you can:

  • understand more about the program
  • determine if you may need support during your studies
  • make an informed decision about whether the program is suitable for you

If you are living with disability, long-term illness and/or a mental health condition, we can support you by making adjustments to activities in your program so that you can participate fully in your studies.

To receive learning adjustments, you need to register with Equitable Learning Service

The University considers the wellbeing and safety of all students, staff and the community to be a priority in academic and professional experience placement settings.

Pathways

Understanding pathways

Undertaking a certificate, diploma, advanced diploma or associate degree can help you meet the entry requirements for your preferred degree. These qualifications often provide credit, reducing the duration of your bachelor degree.

Even though there are no formal pathways into this course, there are often other ways you can gain entry.

Credit, recognition of prior learning, professional experience and accreditation from a professional body can reduce the duration of your study by acknowledging your earlier, relevant experience.

Credit and exemptions will be assessed consistent with the principles of the RMIT Credit Policy.

Graduates of this course will be guaranteed entry into the courses below.

For more information, explore our Pathway finder, or contact Study@RMIT.

Fees

Free TAFE for priority courses

The Victorian Government is currently waiving tuition fees for this program for students who meet eligibility requirements for government subsidised places.

Visit Free TAFE for priority courses for further information on what this means and whether you may be eligible.

If you have any questions you can contact Study@RMIT.

The tuition fees below will apply if you are not receiving a Free TAFE fee waiver.

2023 fees

The tuition fees you will pay for this program will depend on whether you are offered a Victorian Government subsidised place or a full-fee place. To find out if you are eligible for a government subsidised place, follow the steps at How to check if you are eligible.

  • 2023 government subsidised place (with concession): AU$1,000.00* per annum
  • 2023 government subsidised place: AU$5,000* per annum
  • 2023 full-fee place: AU$10,500* per annum

*Fees shown are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at the time of enrolment.

Fee finder

Use our fee finder to get an estimate of your fees for this program.

Additional expenses

  • Student services and amenities fee (SSAF): AU$326 maximum fee for 2023.
  • Other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment.

Annual fee adjustment

The student tuition fees as displayed by the fee finder are indicative only and subject to change given individual circumstances at enrolment. Fees are adjusted on an annual basis and these fees should only be used as a guide.

Eligibility Exemption criteria

**The Victorian Government is currently waiving three (3) eligibility criteria around prior qualifications. This means that more people who want to study a vocational education program at RMIT, and who have studied previously, will be able to access a government subsidised place in a program. Find out how to check your eligibility

Payments and refunds

For information on how to pay your fees or how to apply for a refund, please see Paying your fees and applying for refunds.

In addition to tuition fees, you will be charged an annual student services and amenities fee (SSAF), which is used to maintain and enhance services and amenities that improve your experience as an RMIT student.

The SSAF is calculated based on your enrolment load and the maximum fee for 2023 is $326. 

For more information about calculating your actual SSAF see Paying SSAF.

You may also be required to purchase other items related to your program, including field trips, textbooks and equipment. These additional fees and expenses vary from program to program.

You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession or exemption if you are in a Victorian Government subsidised place and you meet the eligibility criteria.

If your application for a fee concession is approved, you will be charged 20% of the standard government subsidised tuition fee for your program. You will also be charged a lower rate on your student services and amenities fee (SSAF).

RMIT awards more than 2000 scholarships every year to recognise academic achievement and assist students from a variety of backgrounds.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Looking for answers or more general information?

Use our Frequently Asked Questions to learn about the application process and its equity access schemes, find out how to accept or defer your offer or request a leave of absence, discover information about your fees, refunds and scholarships, and explore the various student support and advocacy services, as well as how to find out more about your preferred program, and more.

Sorry, this program is not available for international students intending to study on a student visa.

If you hold a different visa type, you may be eligible. Please contact Study@RMIT for more information.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Luwaytini' by Mark Cleaver, Palawa.

aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.