How to become a youth worker
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
University
You can do a professional youth work qualification, like a degree that is recognised by the National Youth Agency.
Subjects include:
- youth and community
- community and youth studies
- youth and theology
- informal and community education
If you have a degree in another subject, you can take a postgraduate qualification to give you professional youth worker status.
You'll also need relevant experience to get on to a degree or postgraduate course.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
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College
You could do a course like a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice. This would give you an advantage when you apply for a job as a youth support worker. You would then take further training on the job.
The level 2 qualification is required to work with the 16+ age group.
The level 3 qualification is required to work with the 18+ age group.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, and work experience
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Apprenticeship
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
- Level 3 Youth support worker
You would be supported through management and supervision, to develop towards the role of youth support worker by a qualified youth worker or other professional.
You would also work towards gaining the Level 2 or Level 3 certificate in youth work practice as part of completing the apprenticeship.
The level 2 qualification is required to work with the 16+ age group.
The level 3 qualification is required to work with the 18+ age group.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
You could start as a part-time or volunteer youth support worker and complete on-the-job training to use as entry on to a degree course to get professionally qualified.
Volunteering
It's important that you get experience of paid or unpaid work with young people. You'll often need at least 1 year's experience to apply for professional youth work courses and jobs.
Find out about local opportunities for voluntary or part-time youth work through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations or by contacting your local authority youth service.
Direct Application
You can apply for youth work jobs if you've got relevant experience and qualifications, for example in teaching, careers guidance, probation or community development.
You'll be expected to complete a postgraduate award in youth work while you're working.
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Further information
You can get more advice on careers and training in youth work from the National Youth Agency.