Route 98

YouthLink Scotland’s work-based trainee scheme finished this year June 2006 after eight years of achievement.

The apprenticeship programme has had a significant impact on the youth work sector as an independent review, supported by the SQA, highlighted in 2004.

To view the Route 98 Summary Report click here

The scheme has also been highlighted as a model of good practice in European Youth Work Training: “Training and Education of Youth Workers in Europe – A snapshot – October 2005”.

Also, findings from the research are currently being used to inform the research of the Community Learning and Development Work-Based and Part-Time Training Consortium.

Another notable development since the launch of Route 98 is the implementation of a new pre-qualifying award the Modern Apprenticeship in Youth Work which creates opportunities for part-time staff and volunteers to enter the profession.

A celebration event for Route 98 was held in the Scottish Parliament as part of National Youth Work Week November 2005, with the theme “Enjoying and Achieving”.

More about Route 98

Background

Route 98 offered young people a unique opportunity to train and work in the youth work sector. Young people between the ages of 18-30, whatever their previous academic background; could combine full-time youth work practice with formal accredited training on this apprenticeship programme.

Route 98 was launched by YouthLink Scotland in 1998 with support from The Rank Foundation's Investing in Success initiative. The initial work involved in launching Route 98 included establishing the project within YouthLink Scotland and across our wider membership, and recruiting host organisations, both statutory and voluntary, to offer placements to Route 98 Trainees.

Aims

The project supported by a number of funders and a variety of host organizations employed twenty-one young people to train and work in youth work over an eight-year period.

The key aims of Route 98 were to develop innovative youth work practice throughout Scotland, to support the growth of leadership skills among young people, and to lead the way in education for life, supporting training at all levels.

Route 98 did this by working with partner organisations to offer:

• New opportunities for young people interested in developing a career in youth work.
• Training and support for their continual development.
• An innovative placement, which aims to develop the work of the host organisation.

Review

The Route 98 research review was undertaken by way of analysis of existing documentation, interviews with current and former trainees and supervisors, YouthLink Scotland, Route 98 managers, co-funders and education course providers; and self-completion questionnaires to trainees and supervisors who were not interviewed.

The report gives invaluable information to anyone with a serious interest in work-based training, and poses some significant challenges. To take just one of the latter, it is notable that, while opinions among interviewees and respondents were split on the effectiveness of Route 98 as a way of achieving a qualification, there was almost universal praise for it as a way of producing excellent youth workers.

"The report which follows is objective and does not at any point avoid criticism or miss opportunities to suggest improvements. It is in large measure this which makes it essential reading for anyone with an interest in training.

The advice and guidance that is provided here is a very significant contribution to current debates on training. It should be studied by those with policy and funding interests, as well as those responsible for training programmes."

Duncan Kirkpatrick
Community Learning Consultant

For further information please contact Timothy Frew, Development Officer (Training) by email on tfrew@youthlink.co.uk