New research by the National Youth Agency (NYA) reveals that the new Youth Worker apprenticeships, launched in 2022, are helping to build a skilled and diverse youth workforce to meet growing demand for youth workers’ skills.
The NYA report, Growing Capability, Strengthening Consistency – An Evaluation of Youth Worker Apprentices, draws on survey responses and focus groups with apprentices and employers. It finds that youth worker apprenticeships are helping youth work organisations tackle staff shortages by enabling them to recruit and develop local talent, including young people who have previously accessed youth services.
The findings come as demand for youth workers is expected to grow significantly, with youth work projected to be one of the UK’s fastest-growing professions by 2035, (according to The National Council for Educational Research).
Employers involved in the research emphasised the value of upskilling local young people who understand the communities they serve.
”Our youth work apprentices bring an authentic understanding of the needs, challenges and aspirations of the young people we support. Their insights help shape and strengthen our services, ensuring they remain relevant, inclusive and responsive to the needs of our community."
Maggi HuckfieldCEO of Liberty Jamboree, a youth-led charity in Lichfield supporting young people and adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
The research also shows that apprenticeships are widening access to youth work for people concerned about cost, those changing career, and those unable to pursue full-time study. Employers also reported that apprentices bring fresh ideas, strengthen reflective practice and improve support for young people.
”The National Youth Strategy sets out an ambition for half a million more young people to have access to a trusted adult outside their home by 2035, with youth workers core to achieving that vision. The new youth work qualification framework we are developing places apprenticeships at the heart of recruiting and developing enough youth workers at the pace required, while bringing local and lived experience into professional practice.
“This research shows that apprenticeships are widening access to the profession, enabling people who may not have been able to pursue traditional qualification routes to gain the skills, confidence and professional recognition they need to meet young people’s needs.”
Kevin JonesHead of Workforce, NYA
Rohan Hyett is a Health Youth Worker for the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham and is completing his Level 6 Youth Worker Degree Apprenticeship with Captiva Learning. Before starting the apprenticeship, he had seven years of youth work experience but no formal youth work qualification.
”The apprenticeship has given me the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification in the work I love doing. It's helped validate the skills and experience I've built over the years and reinforced how important it is for youth work to be recognised as a skilled profession."
Rohan HyettHealth Youth Worker, London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
The Level 6 apprenticeship is currently being delivered by 13 Higher Education Institutions through both in-person and online delivery.
”As our first cohort of apprentices prepares to graduate in October 2026, we are already seeing the value of the apprenticeship model in developing confident, reflective and values-led youth workers who integrate academic learning with the realities of practice. Through this collaborative approach, the programme is helping to strengthen the local youth work workforce, enhance the quality of provision, and support sustainable youth services within our communities."
Dr Tracy HayesCourse Leader of the BA Youth Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeship at Plymouth Marjon University
The NYA is working with training providers and universities to promote consistently high-quality training, as well as ensure that employers understand how to best support apprentices. A new NYA employers’ forum has been established to coproduce practical, sector specific guidance on supporting apprentices in youth work settings.
It is also working closely with government and sector partners to explore funding support for the Level 2 qualification to improve access for those not ready for Level 3.
The NYA is preparing to launch a new Standard Qualification Framework for youth work in the autumn which will support more accessible routes into youth work. This builds on the formal consultation exercise resulting in the Pathways to Practice recommendation report published in June 2025.
