October 25: Youth Support Worker

October 25: Youth Support Worker

October Youth Support Worker

This month celebrates National Adoption Week, in honour of this, we’re exploring a career centred around supporting young people: Youth Support Worker! Play a crucial role in the lives of young people when they need it most. From offering structure and guidance to creating safe, fun environments where young people can learn, grow, and access new opportunities, your work helps them to build confidence, resilience, and brighter futures. If you’re passionate about making a real difference, this could be the path for you.

Job Description

Salary (Avg.): £26,621

Youth Support Workers work across a wide range of settings, from community centres and youth clubs to schools, charities, and outreach programmes, but the goal is always the same – to empower young people to better futures! You’ll work with those aged 11 to 25, organising and running community programmes covering a vast array of topics from building their confidence to life skills, allowing them to make a successful transition into adulthood. Youth work relies on voluntary engagement, it is the young persons’ choice to attend, so the relationships you build with them, through trust and mutual respect, will be the heart of your success!

Qualifications and Skills

There are many routes into youth work, making it a flexible and accessible career choice.

  • College/Apprenticeship routes: You can start with a Level 2 or Level 3 Youth Work qualification or a Youth Support Worker apprenticeship, which mixes study with hands-on experience.
  • University route: To become a fully qualified professional youth worker, you’ll need a degree in Youth Work recognised by the National Youth Agency (NYA).
  • Alternative pathways: Many start as volunteers or paid support staff and build up qualifications on the job.

What you can be doing now

You don’t have to wait to start building your youth work skills. Volunteering with a local group, sports club or mentoring scheme is a great way to gain experience and get your foot in the door. Teamwork and leadership skills are key to this role, so join activities, such as sports or clubs, that help you grow in these areas. You can also get ahead by boosting your knowledge around safeguarding and wellbeing by taking advantage of free online courses in safeguarding, mental health awareness, or first aid. Every step you take now brings you closer to making a real difference as a Youth Support Worker.

Guide the next generation forward as a Youth Support Worker!