Make a Difference in the Lives
Of Children and Young People.

This course is designed for Australians entering child and youth work, career changers moving into care or education support roles, existing support workers looking to expand their skills with young people, and volunteers in youth organisations seeking structured professional development. No prior formal qualifications are required to enrol. If you work or volunteer in any setting involving children or young people, this course is relevant to you.

The course covers 50 lessons across five modules, including child development from birth through adolescence, trauma-informed practice, safeguarding and mandatory reporting obligations, behaviour support strategies, cultural safety and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives, communication with children and families, and professional ethics. Practical topics like responding to disclosures, de-escalation, and working with diverse families are also included. The content is designed specifically for the Australian context.

No prior experience or formal qualifications are needed. The course is built for people at various stages, whether you are just starting out in child and youth work or are an existing worker wanting to formalise and deepen your knowledge. The content is accessible and practical rather than heavily academic.

The course is structured around approximately 120 hours of study, which you can work through at your own pace. If you have some existing experience and want to move through the material more efficiently, a fast-track option is available that can be completed in around 11 hours. You can choose the pace that suits your schedule and learning goals.

On successful completion, you will receive a Certificate that carries ICOES accreditation and CPD recognition. This demonstrates to employers and organisations that you have completed structured, accredited professional development in working with children and young people. It is worth checking with your specific employer or registration body regarding how they recognise this type of credential within their requirements.

Free online content can provide general information, but it rarely offers the structured progression, Australian legislative context, or applied frameworks that this course provides. Lessons like those covering mandatory reporting obligations, restrictive practices, and culturally safe practice with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people are grounded in the specific legal and professional standards that apply in Australia. Completing the course also results in a recognised credential you can present to employers, which informal self-study does not provide.