Becoming a youth worker

Alongside qualifications, experience is very important in this field of work.

Qualifications

1. You will need either a degree in youth and community work or a diploma in youth work
2. Relevant experience is crucial
3. Postgraduate qualifications are becoming more common; consider a course in youth work.
4. All courses need to be recognised by the National Youth Agency

Work experience

Very few youth workers are employed full time, many work part time or are volunteers.

Experience may also be necessary in gaining a place on a relevant postgraduate course.

Most jobs require 1-2 years’ experience working with young people, in either paid or voluntary capacity. You could volunteer as a youth support worker or at a youth organisation.

Experience of planning and running events may also be helpful, as will experience of working with people from many different backgrounds, or in an administration capacity.