The content of this Pathway has been agreed by Learning & Skills Improvement Service (LSIS). This is the only Youth Work Apprenticeship Pathway in the Education and Information Services sector approved for use in Wales that is eligible for Medr funding.
Learning Programme Content
The Learning Programme provision shall comprise of three mandatory elements:
- Qualifications,
- Essential Skills
- On/off the job training
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 2 Pathway Youth Work is 59 credits.
The total minimum credit value required for the Level 3 Pathway Youth Work is 60 credits.
Entry requirements
All new entrants must be fully aware of the purpose of Youth Work. It is therefore advisable for new entrants to seek careers advice and gather information about the sector prior to enrolling onto the Apprenticeship. It is also expected that new entrants will have some previous experience of Youth Work, perhaps in a voluntary capacity, prior to enrolling onto the programme.
There are no specific qualification requirements for entry onto the Pathway. However, an initial assessment of learners’ suitability for entry to the pathway should be undertaken by an appropriately qualified person, prior to enrolment.
Apprenticeship pathway learning programme(s)
Level 2: Youth Work
Level 2: Youth Work Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below
| Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| SEG Awards | C00/4041/9 603/5560/8 | 27 | 270 | Combined | English Only |
| Agored Cymru | C00/4071/1 | 26 | 260 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 1 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 2: Youth Work | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 1 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 1 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 2: Youth Work | 108 | 365 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work 26 credits / 473 GLH.
The average of this apprenticeship is 14 months.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 1 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Level 3: Youth Work
Level 3: Youth Work Qualifications
Participants must achieve the following combined qualification below.
| Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awarding Body | Qualification No. | Credit Value | Total Qualification Time | Combined / Competence / Knowledge | Qualification Assessment Lanaguage(s) |
| SEG Awards | C00/4042/0 603/5561/X | 27 | 270 | Combined | English Only |
| Agored Cymru | C00/4072/0 | 27 | 270 | Combined | English-Welsh |
Please see Annex 2 for the relationship between the competence and knowledge units within the combined qualification.
Essential Skills Wales (ESW)
| Level 3: Youth Work | Level | Minimum Credit Value |
|---|---|---|
| Communication | 2 | 6 |
| Application of number | 2 | 6 |
| Digital literacy | 2 | 6 |
Essential Skills Wales qualifications assessment languages are English-Welsh
On/Off the Job training
| Pathway | Minimum On the Job Training Hours | Minimum Off the Job Training Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Level 3: Youth Work | 109 | 366 |
On/Off the Job Qualification details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work 27 credits / 475 GLH
The average of this apprenticeship is 16 months.
On/Off the Job Essential Skills details (Minimum Credit & Hours)
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Communication
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Application of Number
- 6 credits/60 GLH Level 2 Essential Skills Wales Digital Literacy
Other additional requirements
Since the Apprenticeship will involve working with children/young people and/or vulnerable adults all new entrants must be willing to undergo an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Centres must ensure that all statutory requirements concerning working with minors are complied with.
All new entrants to the Apprenticeship must be at least 16 years of age for the Level 2 and 18 years of age for the Level 3.
Progression
Level 2
The Foundation Apprenticeship provides individuals with a sound knowledge base that can support them in undertaking further learning and development of their careers in Youth Work and related areas, including vertical progression to more specialised training at level 3.
Specific progression opportunities include:
Level 3 qualifications in Youth Work Practice or Youth Work (including the level 3 Apprenticeship in Youth Work); and Level 3 qualifications in Advice and Guidance.
The Foundation Apprenticeship also fits within a framework that supports progression, via relevant Level 3 qualifications, through to higher level courses and/or Higher Education opportunities, including professional degrees and postgraduate qualifications in Youth Work.
At Higher Education, it would be possible to undertake a course which would lead to the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) recognised professional qualification in Youth & Community Work.
In addition, the Foundation Apprenticeship provides opportunities to progress through a range of other occupational pathways, including lateral progression to other level 2 qualifications in areas such as sport coaching and play work.
Level 3
The Apprenticeship provides individuals with a sound knowledge base that can support them in undertaking further learning and development of their careers in Youth Work and related areas.
Whilst there is no level 4 qualification in Youth Work Practice, the Apprenticeship does offer progression to a range of higher level qualifications, including Level 4 qualifications, Higher Apprenticeships and Foundation Degrees.
The Apprenticeship also fits within a pathway that supports progression through to higher level courses and/or Higher Education opportunities, including professional degrees and postgraduate qualifications in Youth Work. At Higher Education, it would be possible to undertake a course which would lead to the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) recognised professional qualification in Youth & Community Work.
In addition, the Apprenticeship provides opportunities to progress through a range of other occupational pathways, including lateral progression to other level 3 qualifications.
*The Welsh Baccalaureate has equivalences as follows:
- Foundation Diploma D-G grades at GCSE, NVQ level 1 or equivalent
- Intermediate Diploma A-C grades at GCSE, NVQ level 2 or equivalent
- Advanced Diploma GCE A level standard, NVQ level 3 or equivalent
Equality and diversity
It is important that apprenticeship Pathways are inclusive and can demonstrate an active approach to identifying and removing barriers to entry and progression. Pathways should advance equality of opportunity between persons who share protected characteristics and those persons who do not as identified in the Equality Act 2010.
The Protected characteristics identified in the Equality Act are age, disability, gender re-assignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity. Marriage and civil partnership is also included although only in respect of the requirement to eliminate discrimination in employment.
Training providers and employers MUST also comply with the other duty under the Equality Act 2010 to ensure that applicants are not discriminated against in terms of entry to the industry based upon those nine protected characteristics.
Youth Work values and celebrates the contributions made by different individuals, groups and communities and is committed to their support and promotion. Education and training for Youth Work is committed to eliminating discrimination, to advancing equality of opportunity for all involved and to fostering good relations between diverse groups.
Effective Youth Work can play a part to redress disadvantage and discrimination within local communities and promote Youth Work as a career of choice.
There is a need to provide flexible access routes to the Youth Work sector as part of a coherent route for Youth Worker development opportunities. More specifically, the sector needs to support and engage with under-represented groups so that there is equity within the workforce.
A key priority will therefore be to use the pathway to help promote Youth Work as a career option to diverse groups that may have traditionally not been attracted to this area of work, and to encourage participation from a wider range of learner groups. Flexible entry conditions will also help to attract applicants from under-represented groups, therefore opening up the potential of a more diverse workforce.
Employment responsibilities and rights
Employment Responsibilities and Rights (ERR) is no longer compulsory. But it is recommended that all apprentices (especially the 16 years -18 year group) receive a company induction programme.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the Training Provider and Employer to ensure that the requirements of this pathway are delivered in accordance with the Welsh Government/Medr Apprenticeships Guidance.
Further information may be obtained from: Medr
Annex 1 Level 2: Youth Work
Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales)
The qualification has been designed to offer great flexibility to the learner. To be awarded this qualification a learner must achieve a minimum of 26 credits, 23 of which are mandatory and 3 optional.
All of the qualifications, are identical in structure and content although supporting guidance will vary from one awarding organisation to another.
Competence and knowledge have been integrated within these qualifications and are assessed separately. A summary of which units of the qualifications relate primarily to competence, which units relate primarily to knowledge, and which contain learning outcomes that address both competence and knowledge is as follows:
Mandatory Units
- T/506/9206 – Theory of Youth Work (4 knowledge credits)
- J/506/9226 – Safeguarding in a Youth Work setting (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence
- credits
- M/506/9219- Young people’s development (2 knowledge credits)
- F/506/9239- Engaging and communicating with young people (1 knowledge and 1
- competence 2 credit)
- J/506/9212 - Group work within a Youth Work setting (1 knowledge and 1 competence
- credit)
- T/506/9240 - Working with challenging behaviour in Youth Work setting 2 (1 knowledge
- and 1 competence credit)
- M/506/9172 – Work based practice in Youth Work (6 competence credits)
- Y/506/9232 - Reflective practice in a Youth Work setting (1 knowledge and 1 competence
- credit)
Optional Units:
- A/506/9241 – Anti discriminatory practice in Youth Work (1.5 knowledge and 1.5
- competence credits)
- F/506/9502 – Key principles and values for working with young people who misuse
- substances (1 knowledge and 1 competence credit)
- R/506/9214 - Supporting young people with disabilities and additional learning needs
- within a Youth Work setting (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- Y/506/9215 - Supporting young people’s recreation and leisure within a Youth Work
- setting (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
Additional Unit:
- L/504/6160 – Employment rights and responsibilities (1.5 knowledge and 1.5
- competence credits)
The Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales) contains mandatory and optional units.
Assessors should offer guidance to apprentices to ensure they select optional units that are most suitable for their role, needs and circumstances
Competence and knowledge have been integrated within this qualification but must be assessed separately.
Annex 2 Level 3: Youth Work
Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales)
The learner must achieve 27 credits to achieve the qualification. 24 credits must come from the mandatory units and 3 credits from the optional units.
A summary of which units of the qualifications relate primarily to competence, which units relate primarily to knowledge, and which contain learning outcomes that address both competence and knowledge is as follows:
Mandatory Units
- T/506/9206 - Theory of Youth Work (4 knowledge credits)
- J/506/9226 - Safeguarding in a Youth Work setting (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- M/506/9219 - Young people’s development (2 knowledge credits)
- F/506/9239 - Engaging and communicating with young people (1 knowledge and 1 competence credit)
- A/506/9501 – Group work within a Youth Work setting (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- A/506/9420 – Working with challenging behaviour in Youth Work settings (1 knowledge and 1 competence credit)
- A/506/9238 – Reflective practice in a Youth Work setting (1 knowledge and 1 competence credit)
- K/506/9218 – Work based practice in Youth Work (6 competence credits)
Optional Units:
- D/506/9216 - Interviewing skills for work with young people (1.5 competence and 1.5 knowledge credits)
- A/506/9207 – Detached and outreach Youth Work – understanding and knowledge (4 knowledge credits)
- J/506/9503 – Detached and outreach Youth Work – practice (3 competence credits)
- F/506/9208 - Understanding exchange programmes in a Youth Work setting (5 knowledge credits)
- M/506/9236 - Implementing exchange programmes in a Youth Work setting (6 competence credits)
- J/506/9209 - Facilitate the learning and development of young people through mentoring (2 knowledge and 2 competence credits)
- A/506/9210 – Principles of supporting young people in relation to sexual health and risk of pregnancy (2 knowledge credits)
- F/506/9211 - Support young people who are asylum seekers (3 knowledge credits)
- T/506/9500 - Support young people to achieve their learning potential (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- H/506/9184 - Support young people who are looked after or are leaving care (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- Y/506/9196 - Support young people’s transition to independence (1 knowledge and 1 competence credits
- D/506/9197 – Referrals and signposting in Youth Work settings (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- K/506/9185 - Support young people who are not in education, employment or training or excluded from school (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- H/506/9234 – Work with young people to reduce involvement in anti-social and/or criminal activities (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- H/506/9220 – Understand how Youth Work can support young people with mental health problems (2 knowledge credits)
- T/506/9223 - Support young people to develop, implement and review a plan of action (1 knowledge and 1 competence credit)
- M/506/9222 - Understand how Youth Work can support young people who are experiencing poverty (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- K/506/9221 – Understand how Youth Work can support young people who misuse substances (2 knowledge credits)
- L/506/9227 – Understand how Youth Work supports young people who are gay, lesbian, bi-sexual or transgender (2 knowledge credits)
- F/506/9225 – Understanding how to manage staff in a Youth Work setting (3 knowledge and credits)
- A/506/9174 – Facilitating youth trips and residentials (3 knowledge and 3 competence credits)
- F/506/9175 – Work effectively with vulnerable young people (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- J/506/9176 – Young people’s participation in Youth Work (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits
- L/506/9177 – Exploring faith and community values within a Youth Work setting (3 knowledge credits)
- R/506/9178 – Managing performance in a Youth Work setting (3 knowledge credits)
- Y/506/9179 – Managing a budget within a Youth Work setting (1 knowledge and 1 competence credit)
- L/506/9180– Effective outcomes-based Youth Work (1 knowledge and 1 competence credits) H/506/9217 – Anti-discriminatory practice in Youth Work (3 knowledge credits)
- L/506/9423 – Supporting young people with disabilities and additional learning needs within a Youth Work setting (1.5 knowledge and 1.5 competence credits)
- K/506/9235 – Supervision in the Youth Work context (2 knowledge and 2 competence credits)
Additional Unit:
- L/504/6160 - Employment rights and responsibilities (3 knowledge credits)
The Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (Wales) contains mandatory and optional units.
Assessors should offer guidance to apprentices to ensure they select optional units that are most suitable for their role, needs and circumstances.
Competence and knowledge have been integrated within this qualification but must be assessed separately.