The National Youth Agency (NYA) has launched the new Standard Qualification Framework (SQF) for youth work, creating clearer, more accessible routes into and through the professional training pathway, and supporting the development of a stronger, more sustainable workforce.
The launch follows the Government’s announcement of plans to recruit and train 1,000 new youth workers as part of the largest investment in youth services in a generation, alongside ambitions to give 500,000 more young people access to a trusted adult by 2035.
As the Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) for youth work in England, the NYA has developed the framework to support greater consistency across qualifications, strengthen professional recognition and help meet growing demand for skilled youth workers.
The updated youth work qualification framework has been informed by the recommendations set out in the NYA’s Pathways to Practice report (June 2025), which followed in-depth consultation with the youth sector and training providers about how reform of the qualification framework might help address workforce shortages. The feedback highlighted the need for clearer qualification pathways, more practitioners in the sector and greater professional recognition.
The new SQF is part of NYA’s plan to build back the youth sector following losses associated with cuts to statutory provision since 2021. Through close working with government, funders, training bodies and the sector itself, it aims to more than double the qualified youth workforce in England, from around 8,400 today to 19,500 by 2036, including 6,500 professionally qualified Level 6–7 workers.
Alongside the ambitions of the National Youth Strategy, including a £15 million investment over three years to recruit, train and retain youth workers, volunteers and other trusted adults, the latest pledge to invest in specialist youth worker roles reflects a clear commitment to embedding youth workers at the heart of place-based support. This will help strengthen local responses for young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), those needing early mental health support, and those at risk of involvement in, or harm from, youth violence.
”“Youth work plays a vital role in supporting young people, but with increased demand for the skills of youth workers to deliver on the ambitions of the National Youth Strategy, the previous qualification pathway needed an overhaul.
“Alongside the new framework we want to see sustained, long-term funding for salaries and training, alongside greater professional recognition of the specialist skills youth workers bring. Their expertise must be properly valued - with clearer career pathways, fair pay and recognition across public services. This will be essential to attract and retain skilled practitioners, restore support in every community and meet growing demand.”
Abbee McLatchieInterim Chief Executive, NYA
The modular framework enables learners to enter at different points, build knowledge and skills over time and progress through qualifications, apprenticeships, higher education and continuing professional development in ways that reflect their circumstances and career ambitions.
It builds on existing pathways into youth work while introducing new and updated qualifications that create clearer progression opportunities. It recognises the skills of those already working in the sector, supports a skilled and diverse workforce and encourages employers to invest in training and professional development. Alongside existing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifying routes, the framework supports apprenticeship pathways and other flexible routes into the profession.
”“The new framework will open up clearer, more accessible routes to recognised qualifications for people already working in youth work, as well as those looking to enter this incredibly rewarding and varied growth sector. By setting clear expectations at every level, it will help practitioners build on their experience, progress their careers and gain the professional recognition they deserve - strengthening a skilled, confident workforce that can deliver the best possible support for young people.”
Kevin JonesHead of Workforce, NYA
The framework includes the Level 1 Award in Youth Work and the Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Youth Support Work (Diploma), alongside a reformed Level 2 qualification, standardised pathways through levels 4, 5 and 6, with the possible introduction of Higher Technical Qualifications at 4 and 5 in the pipeline to further diversify entry routes into the profession
The framework progresses from introductory knowledge and practice at the early levels through to independent delivery, service leadership and policy influence. It recognises both undergraduate and postgraduate routes to professionally qualified status. Level 6 (BA Hons) and Level 7 (PG Dip/MA/MSc) programmes lead to the same professional status, with Level 7 requiring a higher level of academic study and critical analysis.
Core components of the framework include inclusive, safe, relationship-based and ethical youth work practice, alongside the development of leadership, evaluation and professional responsibility skills.
At each level, the SQF defines clear expectations, helping learners, employers and training providers understand progression opportunities.
