Plans to train new youth and community workers with on-the-job training have led to concerns that standards will fall, writes David Brown.

The National Youth Agency said work-based training would provide a quicker and more cost-effective way to meet the demand for new staff. It has recently set a target of one youth worker for every 400 13- to 19-year-olds, which will require an additional 3,000 full-time staff in England,

At present the only way to qualify as a youth worker is to complete a higher education course validated by the agency.

The Joint National Committee, which represents the interests of employers, youth agencies and staff, has suggested the lowest-grade staff need only be qualified to NVQ level 2 (GCSE equivalent). The National Youth Agency hopes this will enable local authority and voluntary sector employers to allow volunteer staff to become peer educators or assistant youth workers before training through a modern apprenticeship and a foundation degree.

But the Community and Youth Workers Union has condemned the proposals to lower the basic qualification requirements, saying that better pay is crucial to increase recruitment.

The union said: "We seek retention of a full JNC qualification for all full-time workers and a minimum level 3 (A-level equivalent) qualification for all paid posts. Many are now calling for at least a three-year degree."