01702 782001YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER LEVEL 3
About The Course
The Youth Support Worker Level 3 apprenticeship provides learners with the core skills, knowledge, and behaviours needed to support young people effectively and professionally. Covering key areas such as safeguarding, youth development, communication, and partnership working, the programme prepares individuals for roles such as youth support worker, outreach worker, or early help practitioner.
As part of the apprenticeship, learners will complete the Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice – an embedded NVQ qualification. This includes a series of mandatory and optional units designed to build both core competencies and specialist knowledge tailored to the needs of the learner and their setting.
Delivered over 18 months, the apprenticeship combines practical, work-based experience with expert training and support from our Skills Coaches. On successful completion, learners will become JNC recognised Youth Support Workers, enabling them to progress in a rewarding career within youth work and community support services.
Apprenticeship Details
Apprenticeship Standard: Youth Support Worker Level 3 Duration: 18 months Funding Band: £4,500 End-Point Assessment (EPA): Skills and Education Group Delivery Model: Blended learning with workplace training and support from our expert Skills Coaches Progression: On successful completion, you will become a JNC recognised Youth Support Worker. This apprenticeship can lead to further qualifications and career progression into roles such as Senior Youth Worker, Youth Work Manager, or related positions in education, social care, and community support services.
What Are Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs)?
The Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) framework is a key part of apprenticeship standards. It ensures apprentices develop a well-rounded understanding of their role, gain practical expertise, and demonstrate the right workplace attitudes.
Click below to explore the full list of Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours (KSBs) for the Youth Support Worker Level 3 apprenticeship 
Building Relationships: Understanding methods to establish trust and rapport with diverse groups of young people.
Group Dynamics: Comprehending group work theory and its application in youth settings.
Societal Influences: Recognising local and national factors impacting young people, including social, environmental, economic, and political aspects.
Community Engagement: Familiarity with local community networks and strategies for youth involvement.
Collaborative Working: Insights into partnership and multi-agency collaboration.
Communication Techniques: Proficiency in verbal, written, and electronic communication methods.
Youth Work Settings: Awareness of various environments where youth support work occurs and how approaches may differ accordingly.
Reflective Practice: Knowledge of key reflective practice models and their impact on youth support work.
Informal Education: Understanding professional approaches to informal education with individuals and groups in diverse settings.
Programme Planning: Familiarity with planning, monitoring, and evaluation methods in youth support work.
Evaluation Techniques: Methods for assessing and recording youth work sessions effectively.
Values Exploration: Comprehending the importance of encouraging young people to explore their values and beliefs.
Cultural Awareness: Understanding different cultural, social, and political contexts within young people’s communities and wider society.
Inclusive Participation: Methods to encourage and enable inclusive participation among young people.
Youth Rights: Knowledge of youth participation principles and the importance of facilitating youth voice and influence.
Safeguarding Policies: Awareness of current national and local policies for safeguarding young people and vulnerable adults, and their application in practice.
Risk Indicators: Recognising indicators of abuse and exploitation and understanding appropriate actions within various contexts.
Health and Safety: Understanding health and safety policies related to the care and wellbeing of young people and their implementation.
Risk Assessment: Knowledge of positive risk-benefit assessment to ensure safe working practices.
Administrative Procedures: Understanding systems and procedures relevant to administrative duties in youth work settings.
Management Styles: Familiarity with supportive and developmental first-line management styles for volunteers and assistant youth support workers.
Professional Boundaries: Comprehending the limits of professional behaviour boundaries in line with organisational policies and procedures
Boundary Management: Recognise, manage, and reflect upon relational boundaries in professional youth support work.
Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicate with internal and external stakeholders.
Facilitation: Facilitate the learning and development of young people.
Encouragement: Encourage young people to participate in developing their own learning.
Activity Facilitation: Implement activities that promote self-confidence, self-esteem, and resilience among young people.
Reflective Supervision: Engage in individual reflection and supervision to enhance support provided to young people.
Outcome Monitoring: Monitor and record the outcomes of personal practice to identify areas for development and improvement.
Behaviour Management: Appropriately manage behaviour boundaries in line with organisational policies.
Programme Planning: Plan, lead, and evaluate youth support work programmes and sessions.
Expression Facilitation: Enable young people to express their views, aspirations, needs, and concerns in alignment with youth support work principles.
Challenging Discrimination: Identify, challenge, and act upon oppressive or discriminatory attitudes, behaviours, and situations.
Youth Participation: Support young people in planning, organising, delivering, and evaluating youth work activities and programmes, and engaging on issues important to them.
Rights Commitment: Embed a commitment to the rights of young people within personal practice.
Safeguarding Application: Apply safeguarding procedures and protocols effectively.
Policy Adherence: Work within organisational, local, and national health and safety, child protection, data protection, and equalities policies and procedures.
Risk Management: Participate in risk assessments and manage risks and risk benefits within the workplace.
Safety Recording: Record all health and safety risks and take appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all young people.
Administrative Tasks: Complete administrative responsibilities, such as signing in young people, conducting risk assessments, and recording activities.
Resource Management: Manage budgets and resources effectively.
Personnel Management: Manage individuals in line with organisational procedures.
Professional Conduct: Maintain professional behaviour boundaries when working with young people.
Anti Discriminatory Practice: Work in an anti-oppressive, anti-discriminatory manner.
Acceptance Promotion: Promote acceptance and understanding of others.
Positive Engagement: Support positive engagement in activities.
Youth Work Values: Uphold the principles and values of youth work, including respect for young people’s rights, voluntary participation, equality, diversity, and inclusion, and a commitment to informal education and empowerment.
Mandatory and Optional Units
The Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice includes both mandatory and optional units. While the mandatory units establish foundational competencies, the optional units allow learners to tailor their education to specific interests or career goals. To achieve the diploma, learners must complete all mandatory units and select optional units to meet the required credit value.
Mandatory
Engaging and Communicating with Young People Safeguarding in a Youth Work Setting Theory of Youth Work Young People’s Development Reflective Practice in a Youth Work Setting Work-based Practice in Youth Work Working with Behaviour that Challenges in Youth Work Settings Group Work within a Youth Work Setting
Optional
Anti-Discriminatory Practice in Youth Work Detached and Outreach Youth Work Effective Outcomes-Based Youth Work Exploring Values, Beliefs and Spiritual Development within a Youth Work Setting Facilitate the Learning and Development of Young People through Mentoring Facilitating Youth Trips and Residentials Managing a Budget within a Youth Work Setting Managing Performance in a Youth Work Setting Principles of Supporting Young People with regard to Relationships and Sexual Health Referrals and Signposting in Youth Work Settings Social Action Supervision in the Youth Work Context Support Young People to Achieve their Learning Potential Support Young People’s Transition to Independence Support Young People who are Looked After or are Leaving Care Support Young People who are not in Employment, Education or Training or that have been Excluded from School Support Young People who are Refugees or Seeking Asylum Supporting Young People with Disabilities and Additional Learning Needs within a Youth Work Setting Trauma-Informed Approaches to Youth Work Understand How to Manage Staff in a Youth Work Setting Understand how Youth Work can Support Young People’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Understand How Youth Work can Support Young People who are Experiencing Poverty Understand How Youth Work can Support Young People who Misuse Substances Understand How Youth Work Supports Young People who are Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Questioning (LGBTQ+) Work with Young People to Reduce Involvement in and Impact of Youth Violence, Criminal Activities and Exploitation Young People’s Participation in Youth Work Youth Work in Digital Spaces and Places
Entry Requirements
This apprenticeship is suitable for:
Individuals currently working in or aspiring to a role supporting young people in a variety of settings, including youth centres, schools, charities, or community organisations Those employed in a relevant youth support role where they can apply and develop practical skills in real-life situations Candidates with GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade 4/C or above – if not already achieved, Functional Skills support is available Employees who are passionate about making a positive impact on young people’s lives and want to develop their communication, safeguarding, and mentoring skills
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for apprenticeship funding, learners must:
Be aged 16 or over Be employed in a relevant role for at least 30 hours per week Have the right to work in England and have been resident in the UK/EEA for at least 3 years (some exceptions apply) Not already hold a similar qualification at the same or higher level
Employers may set additional criteria depending on business needs. If you’re unsure about eligibility, get in touch with us for guidance.
Career Prospects
Upon completion of this apprenticeship, learners can progress into a variety of youth and community-focused roles, including:
Youth Support Worker Community Development Worker Youth Justice Practitioner Early Help or Family Support Practitioner Wellbeing or Pastoral Support Officer (in schools or colleges) Progression into further qualifications such as Level 4 Children, Young People and Families Practitioner or Level 5 Youth Justice Practitioner
Employers: Why Hire a Youth Support Worker Apprentice?
Hiring a Youth Support Worker apprentice is a valuable way to strengthen your team and support young people more effectively. Apprentices bring fresh perspectives, enthusiasm, and practical, role-specific skills that can make a real difference in your setting.
Cost-effective workforce development – Up to £4,5000 funding available, with government incentives for eligible employers Enhance the support you offer – Develop staff trained in safeguarding, communication, and youth engagement Improve staff retention – Invest in your team’s growth and build a committed, skilled workforce
Interested in hiring an apprentice? Get in touch to discuss how we can support your organisation and the young people you work with.