Youth Work Qualifications
Are you an employer wanting to equip your staff? A training provider wanting to expand your suite of qualifications? There are qualifications at Levels 1, 2, and 3 that are aligned to the Standard Qualification Framework for Youth Work.
Standard Qualification Framework for Youth Work
The Standard Qualification Framework (SQF) for Youth Work establishes a clear, coherent, and progressive structure for youth work education and professional development. It provides a shared reference point for learners, employers, and providers, ensuring consistency in expectations, quality, and outcomes across the sector.
The framework defines what it means to develop as a youth work practitioner—from first engagement at an introductory level through to advanced professional and strategic leadership roles. It supports the development of a confident, skilled, and values-driven workforce capable of responding to the evolving needs of young people and communities.
At its core, the SQF aligns youth work learning with professional practice, ensuring that knowledge, skills, and behaviours are directly connected to real-world application.
Levels 1 – 3 of the Standard Qualification Framework
To find out who offers these qualifications in your area, you can contact Awarding Organisations listed in the charts below. Alternatively, contact your Regional Youth Work Unit.
Level 1: Introduction to Youth Work
Who it’s for
- Individuals new to youth work
- Young people and volunteers exploring the field
What learners can do
- Understand the purpose of youth work
- Demonstrate basic communication and relationship-building
- Recognise safe practice
Nature of roles/responsibility
- Observational or low-responsibility roles
- Requires close supervision
Key themes
- Introduction to youth work
- Safe practice
- Communication and relationships
- Awareness of social context
The Level 1 Award in Youth Work is available through the following Awarding Organisations:
| Awarding Organisation | Qualification Link |
| AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group | AIM Qualifications Level 1 Award in Youth Work (610/7448/2) |
| NCFE | NCFE CACHE Level 1 Award in Youth Work (610/7342/8) |
| NOCN Group | NOCN Level 1 Award in Youth Work (610/7394/5) |
| OCN London | Coming soon on ocnlondon.org.uk |
| Open Awards | Open Awards Level 1 Award in Youth Work (RQF) (610/7449/4) |
| Skills and Education Group Awards | SEG Awards Level 1 Award in Youth Work (610/7261/8) |
| Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) | TQUK Level 1 Award in Youth Work (RQF) (610/7486/X) Located under Health and Social Care here. |
| VETskills (VetSkill) | Coming soon on vetskill.com |
Level 2: Youth Worker
Who it’s for
- Entry workforce and volunteers
- Individuals new to active youth work roles
What learners can do
- Support delivery of activities
- Build relationships with young people
- Apply safeguarding and basic procedures
Nature of roles/responsibility
- Works under supervision
- Contributes to delivery rather than leading
Key themes
- Safe practice
- Participation and engagement
- Reflective practice
- Supporting programme delivery
Focus: Safe practice, relationships, participation
Outputs: Contributes to delivery, follows safeguarding, reflects with support
The Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work will be available from 4th January 2027 from the following Awarding Organisations:
| Awarding Organisation | Qualification Link |
| NCFE | https://www.ncfe.org.uk/ |
| NOCN Group | https://www.nocn.org.uk/ |
| Open Awards | https://openawards.org.uk/ |
| Skills and Education Group Awards | https://skillsandeducationgroupawards.co.uk/ |
| Training Qualifications UK (TQUK) | https://www.tquk.org/ |
Level 3: Youth Worker
Who it’s for
- Practitioners delivering regular youth work activity
What learners can do
- Plan and deliver sessions
- Engage young people independently
- Reflect and improve practice
Nature of roles/responsibility
- Works independently with guidance
- May support or supervise Level 2 roles
Key themes
- Planning and evaluation
- Group work and community engagement
- Relational practice
- Managing safe environments
The Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Youth Support Work (Diploma) is available through the following Awarding Organisations:
| Awarding Organisation | Qualification Link |
| AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group | AIM Qualifications Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Youth Support Work (Diploma) (610/6223/6) |
| NCFE | NCFE CACHE Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Youth Support Work (Diploma) (610/6209/1) |
| NOCN Group | NOCN Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Youth Support Work (Diploma) (610/6201/7) |
| Open Awards | Open Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Youth Support Work (Diploma) (610/6237/6) |
| Skills and Education Group Awards | SEG Awards Level 3 Technical Occupational Entry in Youth Support Work (Diploma) (610/6187/6) |
