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Youth Work Course – Level 2 Certificate (Beginner)

Develop the skills to support and engage young people with our free Level 2 Youth Work course in London.

Overview

Build the Skills to Support and Inspire Young People

The Youth Work programme is designed for learners who want to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. Whether you’re considering a career in youth work, education, mentoring or community services, this course helps you develop the knowledge and practical skills to support young people effectively. Your starting level is matched to your prior experience through an initial assessment, so you begin in the right place for you.

On this course, you’ll explore the values of youth work while building practical skills you can use in real settings. You’ll learn how to build positive relationships, communicate clearly, promote inclusion and support young people’s personal and social development. As part of the qualification, you’ll also complete a work placement, giving you first-hand experience of supporting young people in a real setting and helping you put what you’re learning into practice.

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 Certificate for the Children and Young People’s Workforce and be ready to take the next step, whether that’s further study, a traineeship, or your first 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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18 - 22 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 practical knowledge and skills for working with young people, including:
  • How to communicate clearly and build positive relationships with young people.
  • Safeguarding, and keeping young people safe and well.
  • Health and safety in settings where you work with young people.
  • Equality, diversity and inclusion in practice.
  • Supporting young people's development.
  • Promoting positive behaviour.

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

Your Youth Work qualification is studied alongside your wider ELATT Study Programme.

Built into your timetable

Live tutor-led online sessions

Group discussions and collaborative learning

Practical projects and activities

Reflective learning and portfolio development

Work placement experience

Small group learning

One-to-one tutor support

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

This course is for anyone who wants to build the skills to support children and young people, including:

People new to working with children and young people

Career changers moving into education or youth support

Parents, carers or volunteers wanting to formalise their skills

Returners to education after a break

Learners who want a stepping stone into further study or Level 3

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

Nationally Recognised Qualification

Gain a City & Guilds Certificate

Free, Fully Funded

No cost for eligible Londoners, removing barriers to learning

Build Real Skills for Work

Develop communication, safeguarding and teamwork skills valued across many sectors

More Than Just a Course

Wraparound support including wellbeing workshops, careers guidance and small class sizes

Progression and Career Opportunities

After Level 2, you can progress to:

  • Progress to the Youth Work Level 3 Diploma at ELATT.
  • Related routes at ELATT: Early Years, Health and Social Care.
  • Entry-level, supervised roles: Nursery Assistant, Childcare Support Worker, SEN Assistant, Classroom Support Assistant.
  • Employers value candidates who can demonstrate both knowledge and practical experience of working with young people.
  • The qualification also develops transferable skills including communication, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving that are valued across a wide range of careers.

Career Potential

As an entry-level Youth Worker, you can earn up to £28,000 a year in London with experience.

  • This qualification is recognised by employers across childcare and education settings.
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Ready to make a positive difference to young people's lives?

Develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to support young people and build your future career.

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 3 Diploma

Early Years - Level 1 & 2

What is the Youth Work Level 2 course at ELATT?

The Youth Work qualification provides the knowledge and practical skills needed to support and engage young people in a range of settings. It's a beginner qualification that builds your knowledge and skills to support young people, covering communication, safeguarding and promoting positive behaviour.

Is the Youth Work Level 2 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 2 course?

No previous experience or qualifications are required. An interest in working with and supporting young people is the most important requirement. Your starting level will be determined through the assessment and enrolment process.

Do I need to sit any exams for the Youth Work Level 2 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 2 course at ELATT?

The programme typically runs for 18 to 22 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.

Is there a work placement for the Youth Work Level 2 course?

Yes, you'll complete a work placement as part of the qualification. It gives you first-hand experience supporting young people in a real setting, so you can put what you're learning into practice.

How is the qualification assessed?

Assessment is through coursework, projects, practical activities, portfolio evidence and placement evidence rather than formal written exams.

What can I do after completing the Youth Work Level 2 course?

You can progress to the Level 3 Diploma at ELATT, or move into further study, volunteering or entry-level roles supporting children and young people.

What jobs can I get after the Youth Work Level 2 course?

This course can support entry-level, supervised roles such as Entry Level Youth Worker, Classroom Support Assistant or SEN Assistant.

Can I do the Youth Work Level 2 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 discussions and complete written coursework. If you're not sure yet, speak to an adviser or ask about our free ESOL courses first.

Is there any support beyond the Youth Work Level 2 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 2 Youth Work course.

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

Apply Now!