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
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 can do a professional youth work qualification, such as a degree recognised by the National Youth Agency.
Subjects you can take include:
- youth and community
- community and youth studies
- youth and theology
- informal and community education
Postgraduate courses
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 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.
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 6 youth worker
On the level 3 apprenticeship, a qualified youth worker or other professional will help develop you towards the role of youth support worker.
While you're an apprentice, you would also work towards the level 2 or level 3 certificate in youth work practice.
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 or volunteer youth support worker and complete on the job training. You can then use this to join a degree course.
Volunteering
It's important that you get experience of paid or unpaid work with young people. You'll often need at least one year of experience to apply for professional youth work courses and jobs.
You can 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 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.