How to become a community development worker
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
University
You can become a community development worker if you have a foundation degree or degree in any subject.
You might find it useful to have a foundation degree or a degree in:
- community development
- community studies
- youth work
- social sciences
Most community development courses include work placements to help you build up your experience.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
A college course may help you apply for a trainee development worker job.
You could take a level 2 or 3 certificate in community development or a level 4 higher national certificate in social and community work.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
If you want to help the community with health issues, you may be able to do a public health practitioner degree apprenticeship.
If you do this apprenticeship, you could work for organisations like charities, the NHS or local authorities. You'll help people in communities live long, healthy and happy lives.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
Another way to become a community development worker is to volunteer for local projects. You'll usually receive some training. You may also get to take an introductory part time college course.
You can find opportunities working or volunteering:
- with a local community group, tenant association or charity
- in a related job in housing, regeneration, social work or youth work
Your experience and training as a volunteer could help you to find paid work. You can find volunteer opportunities on Do It and My Community.
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Career tips
It's important to have experience that shows you're interested in community work.
Many people have experience in other jobs before they become a community development worker. This means you may have an advantage if you've previously worked in areas like teaching, youth work or healthcare.
Further information
You can get more details about working in community development from locality.
You can look for job opportunities on sites like: