Introducing the YAC Young Leaders Pathway
June 2026
From joining to leading the way: the Young Leaders Pathway supports 16-17-year-olds to build skills, confidence and experience through YAC.
The Young Archaeologists’ Club (YAC) Young Leaders Pathway is a new programme for volunteers aged 16-17 who support their local YAC branch. Developed through more than two years of consultation and co-curation with YAC members, volunteers and youth engagement specialists, the pathway provides a framework to help young people grow in confidence, develop new skills and gain recognition for their achievements.
What is a YAC Young Leader?
YAC Young Leaders are volunteers aged 16-17 who support their local YAC branch.
They help with activities, support younger members, contribute ideas, and gradually take on more responsibility within sessions while being supported by experienced adult volunteers.
The Young Leaders Pathway provides a structured framework to help Young Leaders:
- Build confidence and leadership skills
- Develop communication and teamwork experience
- Record their achievements and progress
- Access mentoring and support
- Gain certificates recognising their development
- Prepare for future volunteering, education and employment opportunities
Young Leaders can use their Progression Pathway to track activities, reflect on what they have learned, set goals and evidence their experience for applications and interviews.
Developed with Young People
The Young Leaders Pathway has been shaped directly by young people who have experienced the value of volunteering within YAC.
Rose Meadows, who has been involved with YAC since the age of 15, and worked on the project as a Young Consultant 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!”
Supported by Historic England
The Young Leaders Pathway has been kindly supported by funding from Historic England. Sandra Stancliffe, Head of Communities, Learning Inclusion and Volunteering at 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”
Find out more
Visit this page to learn more about becoming a Young Leader, download the handbook and role description, and explore the new Progression Pathway.
Existing YAC branch leaders can click here to find out more about recruiting and supporting Young Leaders.
