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Certificate in Youth Development & Leadership (CertYDL)

Passionate about young people? The Certificate in Youth Development and Leadership equips Christian youth leaders and workers to serve confidently in churches, schools, and communities. You’ll gain real-world experience through 25 hours of placement each term, blending theory with practical skills and reflective learning. A built-in mentoring component means you’ll grow through meaningful relationships, not just study. Delivered through partner organisation 24-7 YouthWork, this programme gives you a solid foundation for safe, effective work with young people from all walks of life.
  • Qualification Level
  • Total Credits
  • Completion Time
  • Level 3
  • 40
  • 3 terms
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Arts & Professional Studies, Bible & Theology

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The Certificate in Youth Development and Leadership (CertYDL) equips and empowers Christian youth leaders and youth workers to serve confidently in churches, schools, and
communities. This programme provides a strong foundation for safe, effective work with young people from diverse backgrounds. Students spend 25 hours per term in a youth work or youth ministry placement, while also combining theory, practical skills, and reflective learning. It includes a tuakana-teina mentoring component to foster meaningful connections and growth. The delivery of this course is through 24-7 YouthWork (a partner to Laidlaw College).

  • Programme Title
  • Certificate in Youth Development & Leadership (CertYDL)
  • Programme Abbreviation
  • CertYDL
  • School
  • Arts & Professional Studies, Bible & Theology
  • Total Credits
  • 40
  • Programme Requirements

  • Students must successfully complete all three required courses, including 75 hours of placement:
    735.315 Y The Context of Positive Youth Development
    736.315 Y Te Ao Taiohi: The World of a Young Person
    737.315 Y Youth Development in Action
  • Study Commitment
  • Part-time (3 terms)
  • Delivery
  • Block Courses + Distance Learning + Placement
  • Start Dates
  • 2027 Start Date TBC
  • Maximum Timeframe
  • Up to 2 years part-time
  • Practicum Hours
  • 25 hours per course (self-arranged placement)
  • Career Opportunities
  • Youth leader
    volunteer or assistant youth worker
    pathway into further study in youth work or ministry
  • Entry Requirements
  • General Admission Requirements
    18 years of age
    Selection Interview
    Police Clearance
    Practicum Commitment
    Entry Assessment may bre required

Please refer here and here for full entry requirements.

  • Distinctives
  • Christ-centred framework, tuakana-teina mentoring, practical leadership development
Graduate Outcomes
  • Graduates will be able to: Apply knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Code of Ethics for Youth Work, Mana Taihohi, and other positive youth development frameworks to support taiohi to reach their goals, and their social and cultural aspirations.
    Apply knowledge of group work and leadership to contribute to the development and implementation of positive youth development projects.