Becoming a youth worker is a great career option if you are passionate about enabling young people to develop their life skills and unlock their talents. Find out more about the various routes into youth work and the qualifications you need.
Why become a youth worker?
What attracts many people to youth work is that no two days are the same. Whether you’re doing detached youth work, are based in a youth club, or located in a hospital or other setting, the young people you support will come with different needs, challenges and opportunities to learn and grow.
It is a skilled profession with its own code of practice and a distinct educational framework, the National Youth Work Curriculum.
It’s an exciting time to become a youth worker as the profession is not only in demand in traditional youth work services, but, increasingly, there are jobs working with and in allied professional environments such as schools, hospitals and secure facilities.
Youth workers may be employed by a local authority, a charity, social enterprise, or private company.
How do I become a youth worker?
There are different routes into youth work, with people from all backgrounds and career stages attracted to working in this rewarding profession. Career progression can mean moving into leadership or management roles or specialising in a particular field of youth work such as working to combat gangs and exploitation or supporting gender related issues.
The Standard Qualification Framework for Youth Work can help you to identify the level appropriate to your youth work career journey.
Routes into youth work
The three most common routes into youth work are through further and higher education, apprenticeships, or volunteering.
You can gain professional youth worker status by studying an undergraduate or postgraduate programme validated by the NYA and conferring professional youth worker status, as recognised by the JNC.
Whilst most Higher Education Providers will have entry requirements, all providers offering youth work courses will welcome applications from those without academic qualifications providing they have relevant experience and interest in working with young people.
You can view details of Higher Education Providers offering professional youth work qualifications here.
Stori Darren
Dysgwch fwy am daith Darren i waith ieuenctid mewn ysbytai.
An apprenticeship is a way for young people and adult learners to earn and learn whilst also gaining experience in a paid role. Apprenticeships are funded by the government and the employer.
Most youth work training providers and employers look for some experience, paid or voluntary, of working with young people.
To find opportunities in your area check the Census map of youth work provision or contact your local youth service or volunteer centre.
Pa gymwysterau sydd eu hangen arnaf?
It’s important to look for a qualification which is endorsed by the NYA as this ensures the qualification is part of the Standard Qualification Framework for Youth Work and is recognised by the youth work sector.
Current qualifications endorsed by the NYA are:
Note: Many of these courses are still being delivered however due to the roll out of the new Standard Qualification Framework some will be updated next year.
Cwestiynau Cyffredin
If I want to follow the higher or further education route where can I study?
You can view a list of Higher education providers here
I studied some time ago, is my qualification still recognised?
The National Youth Agency holds a list of all courses and programmes in England that have previously conferred professionally qualified status for youth workers. Pre-2010 professionally qualified status happened at DipHE (Level 5) and if you qualified on one of these programmes you are still a professionally qualified youth worker.
Please check the list below for your qualification. The easiest way to do this is by using the search function and entering the name of where you studied. If you can’t find your qualification on this list, please do contact us.
You can see the full list here.
There are a small number of other qualifications which confer qualified youth worker status.
- People who gained the status of qualified teacher by 31 Rhagfyr 1988 are recognised as qualified to hold professional youth work posts.
- Those who gained a social science degree between 1974 and 1981 will be recognised as qualified subject to supervision and satisfactory performance in the work place for a period of one year, which has been formally signed off.
If you have any queries please contact us.
I completed my qualification outside of England, is it valid here?
The National Youth Agency operates a Mutual Recognition scheme in conjunction with the Joint Education and Training Standards Committee for holders of qualifications obtained through the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
Through the Mutual Recognition scheme your NYA endorsed qualification is recognised in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland. Plus, if you gained your qualification in one of these countries, it will be recognised in England through the Mutual Recognition scheme.
If you studied outside of the countries listed above your degree does not confirm status as a professionally qualified youth worker in England. Gaining an ENIC statement does not confirm professional status.
Beth fydda i'n ei ennill?
Your earnings will vary depending on your employer, responsibilities, and the sector you are employed in.
The Joint Negotiating Committee for Youth and Community Workers (JNC) negotiate terms and conditions and rates of pay for youth workers which employers may adopt.
Bwrsariaethau
Thanks to government funding up to 500 bursaries (free training places) for youth work courses are being offered by the NYA and regional partners from Autumn 2023. The bursary funding is for Levels 2 and 3, as well as a new Level 2 Award via distance learning and the new level 4 CPD qualification, both offered though NYA’s online Academy.
Cynnwys Cysylltiedig
