Professional Development Award in Youth Work

This exciting course will offer youth workers and volunteers from youth groups the chance to undertake a nationally recognised SQA qualification in youth work.

Practice to Purpose: Why the PDA in Youth Work Matters

This powerful short film captures the voices of youth workers from across Scotland who took part in the PDA — a practical, confidence-building course designed to deepen youth work skills and strengthen practice in real-world settings. From first-day nerves to lightbulb moments and long-term impact, participants reveal how the course helped them grow as professionals, connect with peers, and better support the young people they work with.

Watch the video

The PDA in Youth Work is a national SQA-accredited award (at SCQF Level 6). The course is delivered in 6 days over 4 months and is made up of three units: Understanding and Exploring Youth Work, Engaging with Young People and Delivering Youth Work. Participants will be required to complete all three units, three assessments and undertake a practical placement and observation within their workplace or the youth club/group where they volunteer.

Dumfries and Galloway – 24 January – 30 May

Aberdeenshire & Aberdeen City – 7 February-30 May

PDA in Youth Work

Stepping into professional development in youth work

In this case study Dale, an Instructor at Helm Training in Dundee, reflects on his youth work journey and the impact of his experience on the PDA across Autumn and Winter 2024.

Read the case study