Wanting a change in 2026? Feeling the call to be a youth worker? Need the theoretical training alongside the practical experience to develop your career? Youth Alive Trust is giving the opportunity for 1 or 2 young adults to join our team of youth workers in 2026, to achieve a qualification and gain real experience at the same time. We even offer a part scholarship to help pay for your fees, upon completion of your course! Bonus! We partner with two main providers:

1.Laidlaw College – Certificate in Community Youth Work (CertCYW).

This NEW Level 5 qualification is only based in Christchurch next year as it launches, and integrates youth work practice with a grounding in Christian theology and bicultural competence. Students are prepared to engage with taiohi in ways that uphold mana, reflect Christian character and respond to the diverse cultural contexts of Aotearoa New Zealand. Students will explore youth development with young people, bicultural relationships, spiritual formation and community engagement. Learning is applied in youth work contexts through 300hrs of supervised practicum experience.

Read more about Laidlaw’s Level 5 Certificate in Youth Work HERE

2. Vineyard Ministry School – Certificate in Ministry

This is a partnership with Laidlaw College and Vineyard College. This Level 4 qualification offers theological study, each Wednesday at the Grace Vineyard City Campus, plus 4 block courses in the year, each one is 3 – 5 days. Each student then completes around 15 practical ministry hours per week in your chosen area, such as Youth Alive Trust, ensuring that students are not only rooted in sound theology but also equipped with the hands-on skills necessary for effective mahi.

Read more about Vineyard Ministry School HERE

At Youth Alive Trust, we offer students:

• A line manager, who can support, advise, and guide your youth work practice
• Support to find an external mentor/supervisor.
• Opportunities to work with their preferred ages, including Primary age, Intermediates and Teenagers.
• Opportunities to help lead at weekly clubs, events, outings and trainings.
• Be a part of our wider team of youth workers and support workers, including staff meetings, retreats and socials.
• Opportunities for paid work on holiday programmes during school holidays.
• A supportive Christian environment were the team prays and worships together.

If you’d like to talk in person more about these opportunities, email:hr@yat.org.nz