How to become a playworker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
College
You could do a college course to get some of the skills you'll need in this job. Courses include:
- Level 2 Award in Outdoor Play and Learning
- Level 2 Certificate for the Children and Young People's Workforce
- Level 3 Diploma in Children's Play, Learning and Development
- T Level in Education and Early Years
Entry requirements
You may need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
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Apprenticeship
You could start on a Playworker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This usually takes around 18 months to complete and is a mix of study and workplace learning.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You can volunteer with a playgroup or after school club to build up your experience of working with children. This may lead into paid work, where you could do training on the job.
Direct Application
You can apply for playworker jobs if you're already a qualified childcare worker.
You can also do the Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork qualification to help before you apply for roles.
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Career tips
A paediatric first aid certificate will be useful but is not essential.
Further information
You can find more advice about working in childcare from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.