A youth project, run by Carmarthenshire Youth Support Service, has been praised as an example of good practice by Quality Mark for Youth Work (QMYW) in Wales assessors.
Identified during Carmarthenshire’s assessment to be accredited with the QMYW, the ‘Arweinyddiaeth Iau’ (‘Junior Leadership’ in English) project aims to provide opportunities for young people to gain a recognised ‘introduction to youth work’ qualification in the language of their choice.
Funded by Welsh Government and administered by the Education Workforce Council (EWC), the QMYW supports and recognises improving standards in the provision, practice, and performance of organisations that deliver youth services - demonstrating and celebrating the excellence of their work.
Carmarthenshire Youth Support Service was awarded the Gold QMYW following an assessment at the end of 2022.
Aeron Rees, Head of Strategy and Learner Programmes, Education and Children’s Services Department at Carmarthenshire County Council said, “We’re delighted that Carmarthenshire Youth Support Service has been recognised again for its good practice. This builds on recently gaining the Gold Quality Mark for Youth Work.
“All involved are warmly congratulated and trust that young people in Carmarthenshire can enjoy a taster of youth work, whilst also providing appropriate qualifications and an exciting career pathway for those who wish to further develop in this direction.”
The EWC regularly promotes examples of good practice amongst holders of the QMYW on it’s website. Other organisations featured include:
- Torfaen Youth Service
- Swansea Young Carers
- The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award
- RCT - Youth Engagement & Participation Service
- Wrexham County Borough Council
Chief Executive of the EWC, Hayden Llewellyn said, “As administrators of the QMYW, it’s important for us to recognise and acknowledge the good practice QMYW assessors see whilst undertaking their role.
“Those undertaking Carmarthenshire Youth Support Service’s assessment identified that the Arweinyddiaeth Iau project demonstrated a truly inclusive youth initiative, with the project not only consulting young people, but tailoring itself around their needs.
“Congratulations to everyone involved.”
To date, 30 youth work organisations across Wales have achieved the QMYW.
If you are interested in finding out more about the QMYW, visit the EWC website.