How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
- a course run by a private training provider
College
A course in health and social care would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You can gain some of the skills and knowledge you need through an Adult Care Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
You could then do further training on the job or through an independent training provider.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Volunteering
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become an advocacy worker. Employers are likely to place more importance on your skills than on your qualifications.
You would be required to complete a Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice qualification within your first year of working.
Experience in care work, social work or counselling could give you an advantage.
It may be useful if you have experience of using advocacy or care services.
Other Routes
Some private training providers offer nationally recognised qualifications in advocacy, like:
- Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy
- Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy
- Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice
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Professional and industry bodies
You can find out about training opportunities and different routes within advocacy work from the Social Care Institute for Excellence.
The National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI) awards the Quality Performance Mark to advocacy providers who demonstrate that they provide excellent services.
Further information
You can learn more about becoming an advocacy worker from Skills for Care.
The Older People's Advocacy Alliance (OPAAL) promotes advocacy services for older people.