Youth trainers work with children and adolescents to address the current problems of young people in school and in the family. They can work both in groups and individually. Youth trainers educate young people in preventing violence in the family and at school, dealing with different critical situations, building a friendly and healthy environment at school, in the classroom, in free time, and at home. Some jobs entail care-giving to youth with mental health or behavioural issues. However, most of the work revolves around recreational programs and various types of mentoring.

Tasks:

1. Planning activities and events that support the objectives of the organization where they are employed. This includes assessing the needs and interests of the group, developing the programs based on that assessment and administering the program's implementation
2. Organizing, leading and securing participation in programs and activities
3. Explaining arts, crafts, sports, camping or hobbies to children or teens and showing them how to use related materials and equipment
4. Providing a fun and academic setting that promotes educational and recreational opportunities for children
5. Supporting the ongoing personal development of teenagers as they learn to become responsible young adults
6. Giving advice about job decisions, school activities, relationship issues, spiritual topics; serving serve as counsellors in times of crisis
7. Teaching and developing leadership skills in young people by giving them responsibilities and holding them accountable
8. Explaining the ongoing situation in the family/community/country/world to children and adolescents of different ages
9. Keeping the attention of children and adolescents on a variety of lectures, discussions, games and simple conversations
10. Finding common language with different characters and age groups of children in various situations

Key skills for youth trainer:

• Passionate about your work
• Team player
• Upbeat and fun personality
• Good communication skills
• Enthusiasm
• Multi-tasking

Average salary (2013):

The United Kingdom: £8 per hour
The United States of America: $11 per hour
Australia: AU$22 per hour

Qualifications and training required:

Educational requirements vary widely and depend on the particular job. Experience and competence may matter more than a degree in cases where the primary function of the specialist is to supervise a specific activity or demonstrate a skill. Of course, ability to work well with children and teens tops the list of necessary characteristics, as does willingness to supervise carefully and enforce safety rules. Some NGOs may require for trainer to have some knowledge or even a degree in psychology and pedagogy.