Youth worker perception of the term ‘professional’ a Victorian study

This article is an exploration of the Youth Workers’ Association of Victoria (1967–1982), and highlights the tensions among youth workers and the difficulties they experienced as they attempted to move their occupation towards a profession and to establish themselves as professionals in society. In studying the Youth Workers#x2019; Association through the focus of professionalism, the article critically examines the approach to education, qualifications, membership, ethics, industrial awards, response to government and relationship with young people. After tracing the demise of the Association, the article raises doubts about the future of youth work as a unified field of endeavour given the fragmentation and diversification that is evident in Victoria today.