Careers in youth work
Why work with young people?
A career in youth work means no two days are the same.
It can be fun, energising and creative, while supporting young people to unlock their potential, navigate their emotions, education, friendships and all the challenges that life throws at them.
How to become a youth worker
Before training to become a Youth Worker, it’s useful to do some volunteering with a local youth organisation to ensure it’s a career you wish to pursue.
You will need to:
- have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which shows if you have a criminal record
- complete safeguarding training, this a term used for keeping children and young people safe
It’s also possible to do an Introduction to Youth Work training course through Young Opportunities Solihull.
How to become a qualified youth worker
To become qualified, youth workers will have a Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) qualification, which can be obtained through higher education or an apprenticeship.
Higher education
- Study of an undergraduate or postgraduate programme with a JNC attached to it
- A mixture of classroom teaching and placements
- Yearly university prices apply
Apprenticeship
- Level 3 Youth Support Worker and Level 6 Youth Worker JNC recognised qualification is available for free through the NYA
- Level 3 takes 18 months and Level 6 takes 3 years
- You must be employed in a youth-facing role for at least 30 hours a week
You can find an apprenticeship with the National Youth Agency.