Long-term effects of youth work internship: The Project Youth Extension Service approach

Benjamin Silliman, Harriett C. Edwards and James C. Johnson

Children and Youth Services Review, 2020, vol. 119, issue C

Abstract: A mixed-methods evaluation research study found that up to six years after engaging in a youth work internship, young adults (N = 54) continued to regard that training and experience (T&E) as highly important for their current work. Over 60% of respondents rated internship T&E as important or extremely important for performance on 36 of 40 competencies targeted. Competencies most valued are also critical to effectiveness in high-intensity, high-demand settings, including composure under stress, adapting to change, sustaining a positive approach. Respondents also offered their retrospective views affirming the importance of T&E for performance during internships. Recent (1–2 year alumni) and past (3–6 year alumni) interns’ views of training effects were equally positive. Qualitative comments identified personal competencies (organization, confidence) as well as professional competencies (leadership, programming skills, communication) and career direction as significant benefits. Implications for practice, research, and policy are discussed.

Keywords: Youth worker training; Youth worker competencies; Long-term training effects; 21st century competencies; Critical reflection (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:cysrev:v:119:y:2020:i:c:s0190740920307143

DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.105436

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