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Youth Work Course – Level 3 Diploma (Advanced)

Take your Youth Work career further with our free Level 3 Diploma course in London.

Overview

Take the Next Step in Your Youth Work Career

The Youth Work programme is designed for learners who are interested in making a positive difference in the lives of young people, and the Level 3 Diploma builds on that foundation. It’s suited to learners considering more responsible roles in youth work, education, mentoring or community services, developing the deeper knowledge and practical skills needed to support young people effectively. Your starting level is matched to your prior experience through an initial assessment.

On this course, you’ll build on the values of youth work while developing more advanced practical skills. You’ll strengthen how you build positive relationships, communicate effectively, promote inclusion and support the personal and social development of young people, preparing you for more responsibility. As part of the qualification, you will also complete a work placement, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real-world environment and gain valuable experience working with young people.

Sessions are delivered online in small groups, with support from experienced tutors throughout. You’ll learn through discussions, projects, practical activities and reflective learning, assessed by coursework rather than exams. This course is free. By the end, you will hold a nationally recognised diploma and be ready to take the next step, whether that’s further study, a traineeship, or a more responsible role in childcare, education or youth support.

If you don’t have prior experience, don’t worry!
We offer preparatory courses and support to help you build the foundational skills needed for Level 3.

Alongside your vocational course, you will also have the opportunity to earn additional free qualifications to strengthen your CV and employability. These are matched to your level and confirmed after a short skills assessment when you join. They may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development and Digital Skills. Not everyone will study all four. Your programme will be tailored to what you need. For more details, visit the Adult Study Programme page.

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Course Details

Level 2

Beginner

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Level 3

Advanced

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27 - 34 Weeks

Duration

3 - 6 Hours

Hours per week

9.30am - 4.30pm

Daytime hours

TBD

Evening hours

Online

Environment

What you will learn

  • You'll build on your Level 2 knowledge with more advanced skills, including:
  • Child and young person development in more depth.
  • Safeguarding and promoting wellbeing.
  • Supporting learning and development.
  • Assessing and planning for individual needs.
  • Promoting positive behaviour in more complex situations.
  • Working in partnership with families and other professionals.
  • Preparing for more responsible or supervisory roles.

Entry Requirements

  • An interest in supporting and working with young people.
  • A commitment to developing professional skills and knowledge.
  • Your level will be determined through the ELATT assessment and enrolment process.
  • Part of your main course interview and enrolment.

Qualifications you will earn

  • Awarding Body
  • City & Guilds
  • Qualifications
  • Youth Work Qualification

Have a question about Youth Work at ELATT?

Speak to an adviser to find the right starting level for you.

How You Will Learn

Here's what to expect from your Youth Work Diploma:

Fully online learning

Small group sessions

Experienced, caring tutors

Discussions and group projects

Practical, hands-on activities

Reflective learning tasks

Wraparound support included

Written coursework, no exams

You'll be supported every step of the way, from your first assessment to your final piece of coursework.

This course is for anyone ready to build on their skills and take the next step, including:

Learners who've completed the Level 2 Certificate

People already working in a support role who want to progress

Career changers with some relevant experience

Anyone aiming for a more responsible or supervisory role working with children and young people

No previous experience is needed for the Level 2 Certificate, just a genuine interest in working with young people.

Advance to Level 3

Gain a City & Guilds Diploma and prepare for more responsible roles

Free, Fully Funded

Study at no cost as a Londoner facing barriers to education

Progress Your Career

Build the skills and confidence to move into supervisory or specialist roles

Support Beyond the Classroom

Careers guidance, wellbeing support and small, supportive class sizes

Progression and Career Opportunities

After Level 3, you can progress to:

  • Further study at Level 4 or 5, or progression into higher education.
  • Employment roles: Nursery Practitioner, Teaching Assistant, Residential Childcare Worker, Learning Mentor, Childcare Supervisor or Room Leader.
  • If you're interested in youth work specifically, this Diploma is a strong foundation, though becoming a fully qualified Youth Worker usually requires further study.

Career Potential

As a Youth Worker, you can earn up to £37,000 a year with experience.

  • This qualification is recognised by employers across childcare and education settings.
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Take the first step towards your Youth Work career.

Apply now for a free Level 3 Youth Work Diploma at ELATT, or speak to an adviser to find the right starting level for you.

Hear From Our Students

Meet Salma

Occupation: Office Administrator

This course has helped me a lot. Before I used to be worried about applying for work as I thought I would get rejected. Now I have much more confidence. I made new friends and I am able to communicate with others with greater confidence. I am now working in a job that I enjoy very much.

Salma

Student Projects, Showcases and Interviews

Return to Adult Courses

Youth Work - Level 2 Certificate

Early Years - Level 1 & 2

What is the Youth Work Level 3 course at ELATT?

It's a City & Guilds Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce. It's a more advanced qualification covering child development, safeguarding, supporting learning and wellbeing, and partnership working with families and professionals.

Is the Youth Work Level 3 course at ELATT free?

Yes. As a charity, ELATT offers this course free to eligible Londoners.

Do I need any experience or qualifications to enrol on the Youth Work Level 3 course?

No previous experience or qualifications are required. However, as this is a more advanced qualification, some prior knowledge or experience is likely to help, such as completing the Level 2 Certificate.

Do I need to sit any exams for the Youth Work Level 3 course?

No formal exams. You'll complete a written assessment as part of your coursework, plus a short diagnostic on your first day.

How long is the Youth Work Level 3 course at ELATT?

The programme typically runs for 27-34 weeks and is delivered online in small groups, allowing learners to develop their knowledge and skills through a combination of tutor-led sessions, projects, practical activities, work placement experience and independent learning.

What can I do after completing the Youth Work Level 3 course?

You can progress into further study at Level 4 or 5, or move into employment in childcare, education or youth support settings.

What jobs can I get after the Youth Work Level 3 course?

This qualification can support roles such as Nursery Practitioner, Teaching Assistant, Residential Childcare Worker, Learning Mentor, or Childcare Supervisor/Room Leader. It's also a strong stepping stone if you're interested in youth work, though becoming a fully qualified Youth Worker usually needs further study.

Can I do the Youth Work Level 3 course if English is not my first language?

Yes, this course welcomes ESOL learners. You'll need a good enough level of English to follow more advanced discussions and coursework. If you're not sure yet, speak to an adviser or consider building your English first with our ESOL courses.

Is there a work placement for the Youth Work Level 3 course?

Yes, as part of the qualification, you will also complete a work placement, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in a real-world environment and gain valuable experience working with young people.

Is there any support beyond the Youth Work Level 3 course itself?

Yes. Your course is part of ELATT's Adult Study Programme, which goes beyond teaching to offer wrap-around support throughout your learning journey. Alongside your course, you will study wraparound subjects matched to your level following your initial assessment. These may include Functional Skills English, Functional Skills Maths, Professional Development, or Digital Skills, and you will earn a recognised qualification in each.

You will also have access to our Careers and Employability Service (CV support, interview preparation and one-to-one career guidance) and our Wellbeing Service (wellbeing workshops and support groups). Both are included at no extra cost.

Ready to take the next step?

Apply now and start building your future with ELATT's Level 3 Youth Work Diploma.

New courses starting September 2026: Early Years and Child Development; Youth Work; Health and Social Care.

Apply Now!