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
Qualification level you need to work with young people
You'll need a level 2 qualification to work with young people aged 16 and 17.
You'll need a level 3 qualification to work with young people aged 18 and over.
University
You could do a professional youth work qualification which is a degree recognised by the National Youth Agency.
You could take a subject like:
- youth and community
- community and youth studies
- youth and theology
- informal and community education
Postgraduate courses
You can do a postgraduate qualification to give you professional youth worker status if you have a degree in another subject and relevant experience.
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 level 2 or 3 diploma in youth work practice. This might give you an advantage when applying for jobs. You could then do further training on the job.
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
- level 3 peer worker
- level 6 youth worker
If you take a level 3 apprenticeship, a qualified youth worker or similar professional will help you work towards a youth support worker job.
You would also work towards the level 2 or level 3 certificate in youth work practice while you're an apprentice.
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
- 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 could start as a part time youth support worker and complete on the job training. You can then use this to join a degree course.
Volunteering
Employers value work experience with young people so it's important to get as much as you can. You'll often need at least one year of experience to apply for a job or course in youth work.
You can find voluntary or part time youth work through the National Council for Voluntary Organisations or through a local youth service.
Direct Application
You could apply to become a youth worker if you've got experience and qualifications in teaching, careers guidance, probation or community development.
You'll be expected to complete a postgraduate qualification while you're working to give you professional youth worker status.
More information
You can find out more about careers in youth work from the National Youth Agency.