Applicants should supply suitable character references and be prepared to complete a Garda vetting application form.

Youth Work Assistant – Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP)
Organisation: Mid Louth Youth Service / Ardee and District Community Trust CLG
Location: Ardee, Co. Louth
Duration: 6 months 
Mid Louth Youth Service is offering a Youth Work Assistant placement under the Work Placement Experience Programme (WPEP). This placement provides an opportunity for an eligible jobseeker to gain hands-on experience in youth and community work while developing practical and transferable skills in a supported environment.

Under the supervision of experienced Youth Work staff, the participant will:
Assist in the planning and delivery of youth programmes and activities
Support young people in a safe, inclusive, and positive environment
Assist with group work, workshops, and recreational activities
Support administrative tasks and record keeping
Assist staff in the day-to-day running of the youth service
Adhere to child protection, health & safety, and organisational policies
Skills and Experience Gained
Practical experience in youth and community work
Communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
Understanding of youth work principles and safeguarding
Increased confidence working with young people
Enhanced employability and CV development

(Garda Vetting required)

This is a training and development placement. The participant will assist experienced Youth Workers at all times and will not be assigned core responsibilities or left unsupervised.

Learning Outcomes:

Gain knowledge of youth work principles, ethics, and professional practice
Develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills
Learn about good relations, inclusion, and equality
Gain an understanding of community-based youth services
Day-to-Day Activities (Supervised)
Assisting with youth programmes and activities
Supporting group work, workshops, and outreach
Preparing resources and materials
Supporting attendance records and evaluations
Attending team meetings, training, and supervision 

The participant will receive a combination of formal and informal training throughout the placement to support skill development, learning, and employability within the youth and community sector.

Formal training will include completion of accredited and sector-recognised courses, including OCN Level 1 Award in Good Relations and OCN Level 1 Award in Leadership, delivered by Mid Louth Youth Service in partnership with LifeHack. The participant will also complete a Child Protection Awareness Programme delivered by NYCI. These courses will provide structured learning in equality, inclusion, leadership, safeguarding, and professional practice.
Formal Training Plan (60 Hours Total)
Accredited / Sector-Recognised Training (20 Hours)

OCN Level 1 Award in Good Relations – 10 hours
Provider: Mid Louth Youth Service (MLYS) & LifeHack

OCN Level 1 Award in Leadership – 10 hours
Provider: Mid Louth Youth Service (MLYS) & LifeHack

Child Protection Awareness Programme – 4 hours
Provider: NYCI

Informal and on-the-job training will be delivered through induction, shadowing, observation, and supervised participation in youth work activities. The participant will receive training in child protection and safeguarding procedures, health and safety, confidentiality, and professional boundaries. They will assist experienced Youth Workers in planning and delivering youth programmes, supporting group work, workshops, and recreational activities.

On-the-Job / General Training (40 Hours)

Induction to Mid Louth Youth Service
Shadowing Youth Workers
Youth engagement and group facilitation skills
Programme planning and evaluation
Policies and procedures, including safeguarding and health & safety
Communication, teamwork, reflective practice
Ongoing supervision and feedback
All training will be delivered in a supported and supervised learning environment in line with WPEP requirements.
The participant will also receive training in practical skills such as communication, teamwork, youth engagement, group facilitation, organisation, and basic administrative tasks including record keeping and attendance monitoring. Regular supervision, mentoring, team meetings, and reflective practice sessions will support ongoing learning, personal development, and confidence building.

All training will be delivered in a supported and supervised learning environment, ensuring the participant assists experienced staff at all times and is not assigned core responsibilities, in line with WPEP requirements.