The badge earner explored and compared different pathways through which people become and develop as youth workers. The person reflected on how youth worker education, training, professional development, recognition, and support systems are organised in different countries and contexts. Through dialogue with peers and engagement with European resources, the badge earner identified similarities, differences, gaps, and opportunities for strengthening youth worker pathways.
To earn the badge, the youth worker:
- Explored how youth workers enter and develop within youth work in different countries or contexts.
- Learned from the experiences and perspectives of other youth workers and youth work stakeholders.
- Examined different forms of youth worker learning and professional development, such as training courses, mentoring, supervision, communities of practice, study visits, and international mobility opportunities.
- Reflected on how identity, values, privilege, power, and access to opportunities influence youth worker development pathways.
- Considered actions that could strengthen youth worker recognition, learning opportunities, and professional development.