How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could do a degree in:
- social work
- youthwork
- psychology
- education
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
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College
You could take a college course before applying for a trainee position. Courses include:
- Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice
- Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
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Apprenticeship
You could start by doing an Early Intervention Practitioner Level 4 or Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.
You'll normally have to be working with children or young people to apply for these.
They take between 18 and 24 months to complete.
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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Work
You may be able to work as an assistant welfare officer with a local authority and do training on the job to qualify. For this you'll usually need:
- experience working with children or young people
- GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent
Volunteering
You can get experience of working with children, families and young people, which may help when you apply for jobs. Examples include volunteering in schools, mentoring and youth work.
You can look for opportunities through organisations like:
Direct Application
You can apply directly to become an education welfare officer if you've got relevant experience and qualifications.
Employers usually look for people who have a background in:
- social work
- teaching
- counselling
- youth and community work
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Further information
You'll find more details about working in education welfare through the education welfare service of your local council.