Youth Work

Modern Apprenticeship

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What's Youth Work like?

Do you want to provide life-changing support to young people in your community? Would you like to be a role model and inspire the next generation?

This apprenticeship helps you to break into a crucial and rewarding sector. 

It'll teach you practical skills for a successful career in youth work. You’ll develop a deep understanding of youth issues and learn how to support a wide variety of young people. You’ll also learn best practices and discover valuable tools from professionals within the sector.  

You could work in many areas, including:

  • government

  • charity

  • education

  • mental health

  • physical care

Help vulnerable adolescents regain their purpose as a support worker. Create a group of supportive and like-minded individuals as a youth service manager. Share transformative skills and knowledge as a community education coordinator. 

No matter how you want to make a difference through youth work – this Modern Apprenticeship gives you the training you need to make a positive impact.

What's the qualification?

You'll gain a Modern Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 6 or Level 7. 

Your qualification includes:

SCQF Level 6

  • Youth Work at SCQF Level 6

SCQF Level 7

  • SVQ in Youth Work at SCQF Level 7

SCQF qualification levels explained

What will I learn?

During your apprenticeship, you'll learn how to:   

  • develop trusting and beneficial relationships with young people

  • help young people achieve their goals 

  • empower young people to share their ideas, beliefs and visions for the future

  • educate young people on protecting their health and wellbeing

  • connect young people to the wider community 

  • encourage young people to take on responsibilities and develop their skills

You'll also learn a set of essential core skills, such as: 

  • communication 

  • numeracy 

  • problem-solving 

  • information technology (IT) skills

  • teamwork 

These core skills are not just applicable to the youth work sector. They'll also support your development in a wide variety of related sectors, including:

  • healthcare

  • social services

  • government

  • media

Where could it take me?

This Modern Apprenticeship provides a range of potential career options to successful graduates. You can develop your youth work abilities through formal education or start working in the sector.

Further education: develop a more advanced understanding of youth work to help you progress into senior job roles. Qualifications that you could undertake after completing this Modern Apprenticeship include:

  • Higher National Certificate in Working With Communities

  • Professional Development Award in Youth Work

Straight to work: Use your youth work qualification to get a job in the industry. This apprenticeship could lead to employment as a:

  • youth worker

  • support worker

  • community education coordinator

  • outreach worker

  • youth service manager

  • family and youth worker

Youth Worker framework image

Entry requirements

There are no set requirements for this apprenticeship. It's useful if you have previous youth work experience and references from former employers. You'll also need to pass a disclosure check.

How does it work?

You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll also study with a college or other learning provider. 

How long will it take?

This Modern Apprenticeship will take 12 to 24 months to complete at SCQF Level 6 or SCQF Level 7.

How to apply

Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.

You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.

Find vacancies near you