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Events & conferences > MYD Seminar series > Tom Wylie
Tom Wylie, CEO National Youth Agency
Top UK youth expert Tom Wylie, CEO of the National Youth Agency, spoke at a Ministry of Youth Development seminar in Wellington on 10 November 2006.
 Tom
Wylie told seminar attendees that the biggest challenge for young
people in Western societies around the world is being able to cope with
the consequences of globalisation and how this can impact on their
education, jobs, expertise and their ability to work and interact with
different cultures.
"All over the world, there are three things which are most important
for good development of young people - having a home to live in, a job
to go to and having friends to support them," he said.
Mr Wylie’s visit to New Zealand included making a key note speech at
the Involve 06 Conference where 500 people working in the youth health
and development sector came together in Christchurch.
He talked about the importance of having a very strong youth work
sector. "Youth work is now a profession where the correct training and
qualifications are absolutely vital.” Youth work diplomas and degrees
are common at major educational institutions across the UK and are
prerequisites for any one interested in becoming a youth worker.
"In the past, most young people could rely on their family, friends and
church to support their development. There are a much wider set of
issues facing young people these days, and that is why there is a need
for a very strong, well qualified youth work sector."
Tom Wylie became Chief Executive of The National Youth Agency in 1996
and received an OBE in 2003. The National Youth Agency is independent
of government but works very closely with central and local government
agencies as well as the voluntary youth sector. It was founded in 1991
to advance youth work and to promote young people. It supports those
working with young people, influences and shapes youth policy and
promotes young people’s participation, influence and place in society.
More information
Tom Wylie's presentation is available to download under the "Related documents" heading below.
For more information about The National Youth Agency, see web link below.
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