Build a Career That Changes Young Lives
Turn your passion for supporting children and young people into a meaningful profession. The Higher Occupational Certificate: Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Worker (NQF Level 5, SAQA ID 125059) prepares you to provide holistic, basic and developmental care to orphaned, vulnerable and at-risk children and youth. You will develop practical skills in life-space interventions, developmental support, assessment participation and the maintenance of safe, planned care environments.
Where This Qualification Can Take You
Child and youth care centres and residential-care facilities
Children’s homes, shelters and places of safety
Community-based organisations and non-profit organisations
Schools, after-school programmes and youth development projects
Rehabilitation, outreach and family-support programmes
Government and private social-service programmes
Course Duration: 16 Months
The training for these programmes consists of three components, namely Knowledge Modules, Practical Skills Modules, and Work Experience Modules.
Knowledge Modules
Knowledge Modules are conducted at the college premises.
Practical Skills Modules
Practical Skills Modules are also delivered at the college in well-equipped practicum rooms where students apply theoretical knowledge in practical, hands-on situations. These practicum rooms simulate real-world environments to ensure that students gain relevant occupational competence.
Work Experience Modules
DAM Health School has signed Memoranda of Understanding with partner companies where students complete their workplace learning. These companies are in Pretoria and Johannesburg. It is therefore the responsibility of DAM Health School to place students with these companies so that they can acquire the required workplace experience.
To qualify for the external summative assessment, learners must have a copy of a completed and signed Statement of Work Experience as well as proof of successful completion of the Knowledge Modules and Practical Skills Modules.
Possible Job Opportunities
Graduates may pursue entry-level opportunities such as:
- Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Worker
- Child and Youth Care Worker
- Youth Development Worker
- Residential Care Worker
- Childcare Provider
- Community Outreach Worker
- Programme Support Worker
Job titles and registration requirements vary by employer, and some positions may require relevant experience, professional registration, background checks or additional training.
Indicative Salary Range in South Africa
Current market sources show substantial variation in pay. A practical indicative range is approximately R6 000 to R17 000 per month, with some experienced or specialised roles paying more. Earnings depend on experience, employer, province, responsibilities, funding model and professional registration. This range is a guide only and is not a guarantee of employment or remuneration.
Make a difference where it matters most.
Start your journey towards a rewarding career supporting the safety, development and wellbeing of children and young people. Enquire today about admission requirements, course dates, fees and practical workplace learning.
Enroll Now2027/2028 Fees Structure
Duration 16 months. EISA Exams will be written in Mid July 2028.
Full Time and Part Time
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee (Non-refundable) | R600 |
| Admission fee (Non-Refundable)Includes a pair of uniform, name tag, student card and books for the first semester. | R2400 |
| Monthly R1350 x 17Includes textbooks (modules) for the second and third semester. | R22950 |
| Practical feeIncludes a practical kit. | R2000 |
| Total | R27950 |
| Cash Fee | R25155 |
Orientation and Commencement of Classes
| Braamfontein Campus | Pretoria Campus | |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation day — New StudentsHigher Occupational Certificate: Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Worker (NQF Level 5) | 02/02/2027 | 03/02/2027 |
| Classes Commence — Continuing StudentsHigher Occupational Certificate: Auxiliary Child and Youth Care Worker (NQF Level 5) | 01/02/2027 | 01/02/2027 |
For more information you can visit our website: www.damhealthschool.com. There is a list of consultants ready to assist you.
Study by Correspondence or Online
Duration 17 months
Correspondence Fees / Online — Payment Plan
| Fee Description | Amount |
|---|---|
| Registration Fee (Non-refundable) | R600 |
| Admission fee (Non-Refundable)Includes books (modules) for the first semester. | R1950 |
| 16 monthly instalmentsInclude modules for the second and third semesters. R1150 x 16 | R18400 |
| Practical feeIncludes a practical kit. | R2000 |
| Total | R20950 |
| Cash Fee | R18855 |