More than five hundred bursaries (free training places) for youth work courses are on offer through the National Youth Agency (NYA) and its regional partners. The bursary scheme opens up exciting opportunities in the youth work profession, as well as the chance to specialise in different areas of youth work, or progress into a leadership role.
Youth work is a rewarding career choice, providing the satisfaction of enabling young people to build their skills and confidence and discover their talents working with young people in a range of settings, including schools, healthcare and secure environments.
There are many different routes into the profession, whether you are a school leaver, volunteer or looking for a career change and now, thanks to a third year of funding from the Department of Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), the NYA and its regional partners are offering bursaries to help build the skills and capacity of the sector.
A total of 570 places are available for Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications in youth work for 2022/3. The Bursary scheme follows previous schemes since 2019 which have resulted in 650 youth workers trained to Level 2 and 3.
The new Level 4 Certificate in Professional Development (Youth Work) will provide an exciting opportunity for existing youth workers wanting to gain a higher level professional qualification which will help them progress in their career, with the aim of attracting and retaining highly skilled youth workers to the sector.
Training may be online, face-to-face, or a mix of both. All applicants must already be working either as a volunteer or in paid employment with young people.
Learners are expected to be prepared to study on their own for a large proportion of the time but will be given support.
Bursaries are available for the following qualifications
- Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles
- Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice
- Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice
- Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice
- Level 4 Certificate in Professional Development (Youth Work)