Fostering a trauma aware mindset in VET youth work students

Purpose Youth workers play an important role in the social and educational development of young people across sectors. These sectors include schools, out-of-homecare, child protection, community-based settings, advocacy and sports. Youth workers in Australia can be trained in the Vocational and Educational Training (VET) and the Higher Education (HE) systems. In the state of Victoria in Australia, students who want to study youth work in the VET system can obtain a Certificate IV in Youth Work (AQF level 4) and a Diploma in Youth Work (AQF level 5). Design/methodology/approach This study explored the types of skills and knowledge needed by youth work students to engage proactively with young people and children who have experienced trauma in their lives. Participants in the study included both current and graduate students from the Certificate IV in Youth Work at Victoria University, TAFE (Technical and Further Education). All the students undertook a trauma aware unit (CHCMHS007) – Work effectively in trauma informed care) as part of their youth work course. The design utilised a qualitative methodology. Findings Data findings indicated that TAFE teachers play an important role in modelling a trauma aware approach. The use of role plays was seen as an important pedagogical tool in the development of trauma aware skills needed to be a successful youth worker. A key concern to emerge from the data was that many of the participants lacked insight into how to access trauma aware networks to support students in school settings. Research limitations/implications There has been limited research on TAFE students and graduate students who have completed trauma education units of study. Practical implications The research implications provide recommendations for TAFE teachers who are teaching trauma educations units. Social implications Youth work teachers who have a trauma aware mindset are more likely to have a positive impact on young people with lived experiences of trauma. Originality/value There has been no research of this kind in technical and further education in Australia.