Youth Work - Testimonials
Youth Sector Testimonials
“On behalf of the Schools Ministry Group I would like to congratulate you on the success of the Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work degree at Tabor Adelaide. It has been fantastic to see your students grow and develop their skills as professional youth workers particularly in the area of chaplaincy in South Australian government schools… it is easy to see the positive impact the degree has had on (students) and on the community they work with…”
Haydn Lush, Director, Schools Ministry Group, October 2007.
“As the peak body representing the youth sector, YACSA consistently receives feedback from the sector that well-trained and skilled youth workers are in demand. The Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work program delivered by Tabor Adelaide is comprehensive and its content based on a sound process of consultation with key stakeholders in the sector. YACSA is pleased to support your application for ongoing accreditation of this program.”
Jennifer Duncan, Executive Director, Youth Affairs Council of SA, October 2007.
“Students (on field placements) were well prepared to be able to work competently… I received comments that the students by way of personal characteristics and training were highly suited to performing Youth Work roles in Families SA organisation… I believe the (Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work) course is providing relevant and effective education for graduates to be suitably prepared for work in Families SA Youth Work roles and by assumption similar roles in the sector.”
John Gates, Principal Social Worker, DFC College for Learning and Development, November 2007.
“I am impressed with the quality of the graduates. They demonstrate their deep grounding in the principles of working with young people, a broad range of practical experience and developed competencies and added to this they have a passion and enthusiasm as they take up youth work positions… I am particularly encouraged to see many of the early graduates take up positions in youth serving agencies within the community. I am confident… that individually and collectively these graduates will make a significant benefit to our community both within South Australia and beyond.”
Peter Eckermann, Director, Children, Youth & Family Ministry, Lutheran Church of Australia in SA & NT, October 2007.
“Students have now become an integral part of our staff team, and are well supported by the college whilst on placement with us. We have found Tabor (Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work) students to be of a consistent high quality and believe this is a reflection of its exceptional training and industry-relevant work placements. I would have no hesitation in recommending Tabor Adelaide’s training programs in the youth and social work fields.”
Shane Shepherd, Director/Project Manager, Encounter Youth, 2007.
“I believe the Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work fills an important gap in SA’s overall community services training provision. BCS has employed a number of Tabor graduates within its programs and has been entirely satisfied with their knowledge base, skills and integrity... This year we have formalised… a commitment to place an agreed intake of students each academic year… we are very pleased with this partnership both in terms of the contribution from students and the opportunity to work alongside potential future staff. I would also like to recognise the creativity that is evident within the coursework which I see is coming from Tabor’s desire to provide a holistic model of learning.”
James Martin, Manager, Outreach Services, Baptist Community Services, October 2007.
“I have been taking Tabor(Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work) students on placement for some years now and have consistently been impressed with the quality of students… (they) always have a good understanding about the youth sector and the skills, knowledge and attitude required to be a professional youth worker… I have employed many of their graduates… Tabor continues to offer a high quality course to students… Having a youth work degree available to the sector is invaluable. It offers youth workers the opportunity to further up skill, the sector can continue to lift the benchmark and further professionalise to obtain better outcomes for all young people.”
Kerrie Sellen, Manager, Onkaparinga Youth Services, Mission Australia, 2007.
“I have been involved in a working group reviewing the (Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work) course and have been impressed… (current students and graduates) demonstrate a good understanding of the ethics and requirements of working in organisations and providing services to young people; they are mature and responsible; are thoughtful, reflective and creative; and bring a diverse range of background and experiences and skills to the position. I am happy to fully support Tabor Adelaide in its reaccreditation and in its ongoing work.”
Susan Lane, Manager, Southern Primary Health – Marion Youth, 2007.
“Tabor Adelaide is committed to providing a successful training, development and personal support service for young people and… has established an excellent name as a training and service provider. One of the reasons for the success of the training program delivered by Tabor Adelaide is the reputation they have to provide effective case management for their students… The training content includes social and life development and support for students transitioning from rural communities to the city for further training and employment.
We have been involved in several key events as part of the (course)… we were impressed with the level of confidence of the students and the enthusiasm and commitment they had for their chosen paths. We have also been impressed with the dedication and commitment from the staff that we have related to and believe they have the integrity and experience to continue with this program successfully.”
Lori Hocking, Executive Officer, Quality LinCS, & Peter Leolkes, transition Broker, Department of Education and Children’s Services, October 2007.
“Tabor has taught its students a comprehensive knowledge of the youth work sector and the needs of young people. I have seen Tabor students use a holistic and innovative approach to their interaction and facilitation with young people. The students possess the confidence and ability to share their thoughts and ideas when assisting team members with program writing and therefore have become an integral part of the Learning Unlimited team. I have seen firsthand the value of Tabor’s youth work degree for myself and within the community services youth work sector. The students who have completed the degree are job ready and enthusiastic to put their knowledge and skills into practice.”
Natalie Mills, Northern Youth Project Officer, Learning Unlimited, Mission Australia, 2007.
“I have employed 5 graduates of this course (Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work) over the past 18 months, and am highly impressed with their professionalism and skills… their willingness to understand the often highly complex issues characterising the lives of consumers living with a mental illness, their commitment to continue ‘growing’ and learning through professional development opportunities (in spite of just having completed 3 years of quite rigorous study) and their professional conduct in the company of numerous stakeholders, is of a high standard… graduates exhibit a high level skill-base whilst maintaining a very healthy sense of fun/humour!”
Kerrie Broadbent, Manager, Psychosocial Rehabilitation Support Services, Baptist Community Services, October 2007.
Student Testimonials
Tabor has equipped my mind, my heart, my hands and my soul. The equipping has not taught me what to think but more how to think and has shown me the diverse tapestry of life and the importance celebrating life.
Sam Chan, Outreach Worker – Support Accommodation Assistance Program, Baptist Community Services – YouthCare and Youth Worker in alternative education with Mission Australia.
Studying Youth Work through Tabor College is an eye-opening experience that challenged previous paradigms I once held to when working with young people. Furthermore, I have found the teaching to be completely transferable to my local church setting where I serve as Youth Director. I believe that this course is essential to anyone who is seeking to support, motivate, encourage and empower today’s generation of young people.
Carl Robinson, Director REVAMP YOUTH, Hope Valley Uniting Church
Completing this course doesn’t make you a youth worker it teaches you the theological concepts and ideas behind intentional youth work and then equips you with the skills and networking to make great job opportunities as a youth worker.
Jazz Lister, State director of Lutheran youth camping
My journey in the youth work degree at Tabor was an amazing personal experience of community, spiritual growth and learning new ways of thinking. It also transformed my self-belief about my capacity to gain employment as a professional in the youth sector. I LOVE my job – thanks Tabor!
Katie Kowald, Youth Worker - Learning Unlimited, Mission Australia North.
Whether I’m working in the community sector, schools, or churches I’ve found that this degree has given me the training and the confidence to contribute something important and meaningful in any area of youth work … I can step out into the work force knowing that I will be well received as a Tabor youth work student.
Jesse Size, Christian Pastoral Support Worker – Oakbank Area School and Youth worker at ‘Hungry No More’ Drop-in-centre.
The Youth Work course at Tabor College has been an invaluable resource in helping me gain employment in my desired area within the youth sector. I have gained a much clearer sense of the theory and purpose of youth work – now I know why I do what I do and how it helps young people in their development.
Danny Jones, Youth Support Worker - Families SA, Central Youth Justice Team
The Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work has equipped me as a professional youth worker; bringing intentionality to my relationships with young people and supporting me within a close knit community. It has also served to equip me with the networking skills to connect with the broader youth sector.
Dave Lister, Coordinator, youth camping and outdoor recreation, Mylor Baptist camp
The experience of being in the Bachelor of Social Science Youth Work is akin to being apart of a large extended family. You learn, play, laugh, grieve with one another, go crazy together … plus the professional and tertiary learning experience and theory has allowed me to feel equipped and ready for youth work, team leadership and a developing career in education and training.
Steven Johnson, Shift Supervisor – Children’s Contact Service Relationships Australia (SA), Lecturer - Youth Department, Tabor Adelaide
Tabor has been the best pathway I could have taken in terms of tertiary study. I have learnt more than I could have imagined, professionally within workplaces and spiritually in my own relationship with God. So far I have applied for four youth work jobs and been successful in my applications for three of the positions.
Juliette Warnes, Youth Worker, Tatachilla Lutheran College
