This September, Genetik 10 and Genetik Elements open their doors to a new generation of aspiring 18-25 youth workers, aiming to radically grow their character and gifting.

Both courses respond to the increasing desire among youth workers for professional accreditation and proposed legislation requiring all youth workers to have a qualification. The courses are accredited to VRQ Level 3, giving Genetik graduates access to university degree courses in youth work.

Why Genetik? Let our graduates explain.

Read a recent student’s view of Genetik

What is it? Ten months of intensive hands-on training in youth work, leading to a VRQ (Vocational Recognised Qualification) Level 3 Accreditation from the Open College Network (OCN).

What’s involved? During the first four months, you will receive evangelistic teaching (looking at topics such as Baptism and Old and New Testament teaching), every morning, followed by hands-on placements in the afternoons.

During the final six months, you will experience a variety of youth-based projects, based on your skills and talents, such as mission weeks in local schools and prisons.

There are two tracks: Urban and Creative. Both tracks feature hands-on placements in several projects. The Urban track focuses on working in the community through placements such as youth clubs, prisons and detached ‘street’ work. The Creative track will help you hone your dancing, singing or DJ-ing skills, equipping you to use them in a variety of youth work settings.

You will be placed in a host home with members of one of our Eden projects, where you will be based for the full ten months. When you’re not in teaching sessions, you will be involved in Eden’s youth projects, such as youth clubs and detached ‘street’ work.

What support will I receive? Your host ‘family’ will be experienced youth workers, who will guide you through day-to-day issues and work alongside you throughout the practical aspects of the course. You will also have a tutor based at Genetik HQ, along with a mentor, who will support you with your coursework.

How much does it cost? £3,750, which will cover housing costs and course fees. You will need to provide your own food and spending money. There is a bursary available if you are struggling to meet the cost. Contact us for more information.

There are limited places available for this course so don’t hesitate to get in touch with us if you are interested.

What is it? As with the Gap Year, it is run over a ten month period (September – June), but it’s only part-time. Students will spend one day a month at Message HQ, receiving evangelistic training from the Genetik team. You will already have a placement with young people, through your church or youth club (The Message team can help you find one if you’re struggling), and you must have at least one year’s experience of working with youth people.

What’s involved? One day a month of training from the Genetik team, looking at biblical principles and evangelism. Over the ten month period, you will complete 242 hours of youth work, but it doesn’t all have to be face-to-face contact.

What support will I receive? You will have a placement-based mentor, who will support your practical needs, as well as a tutor on the Genetik team, who will support your academic needs.

How much does it cost? £495, which covers teaching costs and materials.

I’m interested – what do I do now? Apply by clicking below. If you’ve got a question or would like to find out about our Bursary scheme, please email or call 0161 946 2363.

To download an application form for Genetik 10, click here.

To download an application form for Genetik Elements, click here.

Update, May 2010 – places are still available for the first intake in September 2010.