Building Relationships through Effective Interpersonal Engagement: A Training Model for Youth Workers

This paper outlines the changing context for youth work and suggests that the relationship between the practitioner and the young person has been, and continues to be, a unique and defining feature of youth work practice. On the basis that training and education for youth work should reflect the core elements of youth work practice, the paper presents a model of youth work training that enables students to increase their knowledge, develop self-confidence and self-awareness and build their skills towards engaging young people in meaningful and purposeful relationships.The model presented adopts and advocates the ‘person-centred approach’ with a central focus on self awareness through the use of personal and professional reflective journaling, experiential learning and opportunities to practise. It also provides significant opportunities for students to demonstrate a clear understanding of, and commitment to, equality and diversity and the importance of choice, freedom, responsibility and justice.