Professionalisation of youth work: unleashing barriers towards this goal

This study explored the perspectives of stakeholders involved in youth development work on the barriers hindering the professionalisation of youth work. This study used a qualitative approach to provide nuanced insights into the complexities surrounding the professionalisation of youth work. Key findings of this study reveal that the barriers hindering youth work from attaining professional status, comparable to other social service professions, are multifaceted. These include a lack of political will among those overseeing youth development programmes in government, a persistent gap between policy formulation and implementation, the absence of coordinated advocacy structures, and the lack of a standardized curriculum across higher education institutions. The study highlights an urgent need for the establishment of a strong, unified Youth Workers Associations to advocate for the sector's professional recognition and legitimacy.