Launching the YAC Young Leaders Pathway
For decades, the Young Archaeologists' Club has helped young people discover archaeology, build friendships, and develop confidence through hands-on activities and exploration in supportive spaces. We now have over 2000 young members and 500 volunteers in 80 branches across the UK.
Many young people have gone on to volunteer with their local YAC branch once they reached the upper age limit for membership. They have helped run activities, shared their knowledge, and become role models for younger members. But until now, there has never been a consistent framework to support that journey.
Today, we're pleased to launch the YAC Young Leaders Pathway.
The new pathway has been developed over more than two years through co-curation and consultation with YAC members, volunteers, branch leaders and youth engagement specialists. The result is a programme that helps young people aged 16-17 build confidence, develop leadership skills, and gain recognition for the contribution they make to their local clubs.
Young Leaders will be able to record their achievements, reflect on their experiences, work towards personal goals and receive certificates marking key milestones. Alongside practical volunteering experience, they will have access to mentoring and support from experienced YAC volunteers.
The Young Leaders Pathway also helps young people prepare for future opportunities. By recording their experience, responsibilities and achievements, Young Leaders can build evidence to support school, college, apprenticeship, job or volunteering applications, and feel more confident talking about the skills they have developed through YAC.
Rose Meadows, who has been involved with YAC since she was 15 and helped shape the project, said:
"Being able to help shape the Young Leaders Pathway was a full circle moment for me! I've been involved in YAC since I was 15, I began taking part in the sessions and quickly phased into volunteering at 16 to support the running of the club.
I always thought it would be fantastic to have a programme to support the journey from attending to leading, and this project is that and more! I can't wait to see how this will support not only the volunteer leaders but also the energy and ideas of YAC clubs to come!”
The Pathway has been made possible with support from Historic England.
Sandra Stancliffe from Historic England said:
“Historic England is delighted to support the Young Archaeologists’ Club and the development of the Young Leaders Pathway. This important initiative will help young people build confidence, take on responsibility and develop their skills. Shaped directly with young people, it will create a more consistent and supportive experience and help open up future opportunities"
What does this mean for current young volunteers?
Young Leaders already play an important role in the life of YAC, bringing creativity, enthusiasm, empathy, and an understanding of what younger members need. The Young Leaders Pathway has been created to help that role grow, giving young volunteers more structured support as they build confidence, develop skills and take their next steps within the world as future leaders.
For branches, it offers clear guidance and practical resources while still leaving space for each club to support Young Leaders in a way that works for them.