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YOUTH WORKERS PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
Abstract
The paper is devoted to the problem of youth workers’ professional growth. The European Commission notes of the European Union (EU) youth work directions currently in growing professionalisation and the rise of the proportion professional education youth workers and expected the increasing demand for youth work by society. However, it was noted that state support can be decreased with the pressure of the sector and can discourage youth work, thus contributing to staff turnover (2014). During the period 2005-2015 various studies showed the high mobility of Estonia youth workers in youth centres and shortage of personnel with special education. The purpose of this research is to bring to light the youth worker’s professional role at present time, by increasing knowledge about the motives for this choise of profession and about experiences of this professional practise and activity. A qualitative research strategy is adopted along with a phenomenological approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 Estonian youth workers, who working in the youth centers. Intervieewers describe their professional careers on the following question areas: biography and formation of the youth worker; the most important changes in the work of youth workers in the context of professional growth; meanings and their role in youth workers work life; coping with daily work; necessary skills/competencies; future vision of the youth field. The results show that the youth workers’profession choice is rather radom. In majority it was proved significant environmental support. The study highlights a number of aspects, which estimates that youth field is needed to reduce staff turnover; youth workers’contributing to the work and dedication of the future would be more effective and motivated. It concerned the need for professional development of youth workers (untrained staff), the increasing reflection, recognition of previous working experience and often the youth work development processes(priorities) and cooperation. This is the first part of a combined analysis of the study.
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