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Educating and Qualifying Accredited Youth

Workers in Korea

Park, Young-Kyoon (National Youth Policy Institute)

Introduction

The system of educating and qualifying Accredited Youth Workers wasofficially initiated along with the legislation of Youth Basic Law in 1992.

The purpose of the system is to raise quality youth workers on the national

level, to address diverse problems of children and youth in this rapidly

changing society. National Certificates are issued to those who pass the

written test, interview, and finished training courses successfully.

Summary of Development History

In 1988, Seoul Summer Olympic Games were successfully held in

Seoul, Korea.

In 1991, Korea Youth Basic Plan was established.

The Youth Basic Law (YBL) was enacted in 1992.

For the first time in our land, educating and certifying Accredited

Youth Worker (AYW) initiated in 1993.

And in the year of 1999, the Youth Basic Law was revised and new

system of cultivating Accredited Youth Workers was introduced.

The Current System

The Qualifying exam and training are carried out once a year upon

the consignment of the Minister of Health, Welfare, and Family

Affairs. And the national certificate of accredited youth worker is

officially certified by the Minister. AYWs are the professional

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leaders who teach and lead the children and youth in the fields of

youth activity, youth welfare, and youth protection programs. And

such programs are being developed nationally and provided to thefacilities and activity fields.

Accredited Youth Worker

Definition: Accredited Youth Worker (AYW) is the one who passed

the qualifying exam and finished the training courses successfully at

a designated institute (Article 21 ofYBL). Role: They work for youth activity, for welfare, or protection of

youth from harm at a youth training facility or youth organization.

Certificates and Tests

Types of Certificates: There are three classes (1st, 2nd, 3rd) of

national certificates according to the Youth Basic Law (Clause 4 of

Article 21, YBL)

Written Test

1st Grade Certificate

Methodology of youth research, Youth right and participation,

Youth policy, Administration of youth organization, Theory on

youth leader

2nd Grade Certificate

Youth fostering system, Coaching methodology for youth,

Psychology of youth and counseling, Youth culture, Youth

activity, Youth welfare, Program development and evaluation,

Youth problems and protection

3rd Grade Certificate

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Youth fostering system, Coaching methodology for youth,

Psychology of youth and counseling, Youth culture, Youth

activity, Program development and evaluation, Youth problemsand protection

Interview

Interviews are executed to the applicants applying for the 1st and

2nd grade certificates only

Interviews are focused on the applicants value, attitude, etiquette,diligence, creativity, communication skills, knowledge on young

people, and will power, etc., as a promising youth worker

Qualification for Application

Minimum qualification to apply for the exam are different according

to the applying grade

1st grade certificate: 3 yrs of work experience in appropriate

field with the 2nd grade certificate

2nd grade certificate: Finished every course defined by the law

as his/her major subjects at a 4-yr college or university

3rd grade certificate: Finished every course defined by the law

as his/her major subjects at a 2-yr college

Statistical Figures

The number of current youth workers is 17,553 (Ministry of Health,

Welfare, and Family Affairs, 2008).

1st grade certificate holder: 1,293

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2nd grade certificate holder: 10,342

3rd grade certificate holder: 5,918

Problems of Current System

Written Test

No adequate consideration on AYWs role and job tasks

needed in the field

Test subjects are not fully standardized

Problems of standardization, appropriateness, and other wayof implementation, result in objectivity and discrimination in

deciding successful candidates

Interview

Rough and not-well organized

Vague and obscure questions

Time shortage results in ceremonious procedure

Difficult selecting well-prepared applicants

Training Courses

Completing the training is obligatory for every successful

candidates, however,

Training courses last only four (4) working days

Considering the importance of AYWs duty or role, the period

of training is too short

Improving Current System

Set up Qualification Framework (QF) for certifying system

Develop National Skills Standard (NSS)

Establish systematic management procedures for AYWs

Reduce the number of exam subjects to attest basic quality and

ability of applicants

Expand training period to secure professional excellence of

Accredited Youth Workers

Reinforce stationing standard of AYWs to public facilities and

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institutions for children and youth

Conclusion

The system of educating and training AYWs in Korea is very unique

and well developed.

However, constant efforts needed to improve the related provision

and national system on AYW.

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