Students in the following youth work courses from the College of Arts & Education complete a professional practice unit during the course:

The unit includes 200 hours of fieldwork placement/s where you will gain practical experience in a professional environment and apply your knowledge.

Youth Work at Victoria University - Transcript

Assessment

The professional practice unit is assessed with theoretical and practical components. You must demonstrate the knowledge and skills you have developed during the placement by completing investigative and reflective assessment tasks.

You will submit a journal of two to three entries for assessment that details your experiences, and explore elements of the placement agency and report your findings.

In your final year, you will complete a research project for the placement organisation. The research project may be a:

  • youth consultation
  • youth needs analysis
  • program evaluation.

As each placement is unique, you must negotiate tasks, responsibilities and timelines with your agency supervisor and undertake regular supervision to reflect on the placement.

"I completed a placement at The Youth Junction Inc. Two months into my internship, I was offered a full-time position."

Eliza Kandell, Bachelor of Youth Work.

Opportunities

The College of Arts & Education offers a range of options for professional practical experience. These opportunities include fieldwork placements in the following types of organisations:

  • alternative education (working with young people whose learning styles do not fit within mainstream schools)
  • local government youth services
  • co-located youth services
  • not-for-profit agencies that support young people who:
    • are homeless
    • have recently arrived in Australia
    • have mental health issues
    • have issues with alcohol or other drugs
    • have legal issues
    • are same sex attracted, intersex, trans or gender diverse
  • co-located youth services (where many youth services, including employment and training services, are all located together in one building)
  • diversion programs
  • recreation and outdoor adventure programs.

"I was able to build industry connections that I benefit from to this day."

Ashay Baget, Bachelor of Youth Work/Bachelor of Sport Management

Contact us

For more information about professional experience and fieldwork placements within youth work courses in the College of Arts & Education, please contact us.

Email: youth.partnerships@vu.edu.au
Phone: +61 3 9919 4788