The Certificate in Youth Development and Leadership (CertYDL) equips and empowers Christian youth leaders and youth workers to serve confidently in churches, schools, and communities. This programme provides a strong foundation for safe, effective work with young people from diverse backgrounds.   

Students spend 25 hours per term in a youth work or youth ministry placement, while also combining theory, practical skills, and reflective learning. It includes a tuakana-teina mentoring component to foster meaningful connections and growth. This programme is delivered by 24-7 YouthWork, in partnership with Laidlaw College.  

PROGRAMME SUMMARY  

NZQCF Level 3, 40 Credits   

Duration: 34 weeks (30 teaching weeks + 4 holiday weeks)  
Places: Open for enrolment  
Delivery: Distance Learning (with a  3-day block course as orientation in either Auckland or Christchurch)  

Click here to view or download a programme summary 

COURSE INFORMATION

POLICE CLEARANCE  

It is a condition of enrolment in the CertYDL that students complete a Police Vetting Service Request and Consent form as part of their application. This police clearance should be less than 6 months old if presented at the time of application.  

FEES  

Domestic Fees for 2026 are $759  for the programme (3 courses, 40 credits).  

OBJECTIVES  

Graduates will be able to:  

1. Apply knowledge of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, Code of Ethics for Youth Work, Mana Taihohi, and other positive youth development frameworks to support taiohi to reach their goals, and their social and cultural aspirations.   

1. Apply knowledge of group work and leadership to contribute to the development and implementation of positive youth development projects.   

Students enrolling in this course will need to arrange their own practicum placement. A practicum is a setting where you can complete the required practicum hours for the course, gaining practical experience alongside your learning (e.g. in a school, church, or community organisation). 

Graduates will be qualified to work in entry-level vocational roles with taiohi.  

Roles may include projects and events delivered by peer support groups, youth service agencies, and community or marae or faith-based groups.   

Graduates may seek employment in youth development or youth work in a range of settings: non-governmental organisations, justice/corrections, social services, residential and community, iwi services, mental health support, peer support, and those that operate in a cultural or faith-based context.   

For more information  

This programme is delivered by 24-7 YouthWork, in partnership with Laidlaw College.   

Contact: [email protected]