How to become a playworker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- 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 Childcare
You'll find it useful to have a first aid certificate.
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
More Information
Apprenticeship
You could take a Playworker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.
This usually takes around a year and 6 months to complete as a mix of study and work place learning.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
More Information
Work
You could start as a nursery worker and get qualifications while you work.
Volunteering
You could volunteer with a playgroup to build up your experience of working with children. This can often lead to paid work.
Direct Application
You could apply for playworker roles if you're already a qualified childcare worker.
You could also do the Level 3 Award in Transition to Playwork qualification to help before you apply for roles.
More information
You can find more details on working in childcare from the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years.