Youth workers support and guide young people aged 11 to 25, helping them with personal, social, and educational development. The job involves organising activities, offering advice, and providing a safe space for young people to express themselves. Youth workers may work in youth centres, schools, outreach programmes, or community projects, and often deal with issues such as bullying, mental health, and employment challenges. Building trust and strong relationships is key to this role, as is working with families, schools, and other agencies to ensure young people receive the help they need.
Youth workers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £28,000 per year. With experience, senior youth workers can earn up to £35,000 or more.
There are approximately 23,000 youth workers employed across the UK, with opportunities in local authorities, charities, and voluntary organisations.
Youth workers often work evenings and weekends to engage with young people outside school hours. The average working week is 37 to 40 hours.
Works specifically with young people to provide mental health support, guidance, and referrals to appropriate services.
Supports young people who have committed offences, helping them make positive life choices and avoid reoffending.
Works within schools to help students at risk of exclusion stay engaged with education and make positive progress.
Learn about what youth workers do, the environments they work in, and the skills required.
Start by reading about youth work on trusted websites such as the National Youth Agency or local council pages. Consider watching documentaries or video interviews with current youth workers to get an idea of the day-to-day responsibilities. Make a note of what interests you about the role and any questions you might have.
Gain first-hand experience by volunteering with youth organisations or community groups.
Look for opportunities at local youth clubs, sports teams, or schools. Volunteering will help you develop important skills like communication, teamwork, and understanding the needs of young people. This experience will also improve your CV and help you decide if this is the right career for you.
Pursue qualifications that will help you become a youth worker, such as a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice or a related university degree.
You can start with college courses like a Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice. If you choose the university route, degrees in youth work, community development, or social work are suitable. Some employers might also accept degrees in other subjects if you have relevant experience.
Participate in work placements to gain practical experience in youth work settings.
Many courses include a placement as part of the programme. Use this opportunity to develop your skills, build relationships with young people, and learn from experienced youth workers. This practical experience is invaluable and often required for paid positions.
Search and apply for entry-level youth worker jobs in your area.
Look for vacancies on local council websites, charities, and youth organisations. Tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your qualifications, volunteer experience, and passion for working with young people. Be prepared to discuss your experiences and how you would handle various scenarios in interviews.
Pursue further training and qualifications to advance your career.
Youth work is a profession that values ongoing learning. Attend courses, workshops, and conferences to keep your knowledge and skills up to date. You can also specialise in areas such as mental health, substance misuse, or working with vulnerable groups to progress into more senior or specialist roles.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Youth Worker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Youth Worker and a Youth offending team officer both work directly with young people, often within the criminal justice or support services to promote positive behaviour and development. Both roles require a good understanding of youth needs, safeguarding, and intervention strategies, making them closely aligned in terms of qualifications and responsibilities.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award in:
You'll usually need:
You could do a youth justice practitioner higher apprenticeship.
You'll need paid or voluntary experience of working with young people and sometimes adults in challenging situations. This could include in hostels, special schools, family support teams, residential childcare or youth services.
Employers will set their own entry requirements.
You can start by volunteering to work with young people. For example, mentoring will give you an understanding of the issues they face.
You can also support young people in the criminal justice system by volunteering as an appropriate adult. Opportunities and training are organised locally.
You can get more information on volunteering opportunities in your area from Do-it and at NCVO.
You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you have relevant experience and a qualification in:
You'll find more details about working with young people, training and volunteering through the Youth Justice Board.
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
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