Level 3 Youth Support Worker
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice (England)
Develop the professional knowledge and practical skills needed to lead work with young people and extend youth work practice into specialist areas.
The qualification explores how youth workers create positive professional relationships, support young people’s development and deliver informal educational opportunities. It combines mandatory youth work practice with optional units reflecting different roles, communities and areas of need.
Who is it for?
The qualification is suitable for learners aged 16 or over who:
- Already work or volunteer in a youth work environment
- Want to lead activities or group work with young people
- Want to extend their knowledge into specialist areas
- Have completed relevant prior youth work learning
- Want to progress within youth support or community services
NOCN describes the Diploma as suitable for learners who have completed the Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice and want to extend their skills into specialist subject areas.
Applicants must have access to a suitable youth work environment. JACE will complete an interview and initial assessment to review previous qualifications, experience, safeguarding requirements and placement arrangements.
What will learners study?
Mandatory topics include:
- Youth work theory
- Young people’s development
- Engaging and communicating with young people
- Group work in a youth work setting
- Safeguarding
- Reflective practice
- Work-based youth work practice
- Responding to behaviour that challenges
Optional topics may include:
- Anti-discriminatory practice
- Detached and outreach youth work
- Outcomes-based youth work
- Mentoring young people
- Youth trips and residential experiences
- Managing budgets or performance
- Supervision and staff management
- Social action
- Referrals and signposting
- Mental health and wellbeing
- Trauma-informed practice
- Relationships and sexual health
- Substance misuse
- Supporting care-experienced young people
- Supporting young people who are not in education, employment or training
- Supporting refugees and people seeking asylum
- Supporting transition to independence
- Disability and additional learning needs
- Poverty, loneliness and isolation
The optional units offered by JACE will depend on its approved programme.
Work experience
Learners must complete at least 80 hours of work experience in a suitable youth work environment. This can be paid or voluntary.
The placement must allow the learner to demonstrate practical competence, including communication, group work, safeguarding, reflective practice and the delivery of youth work activities.
How is it assessed?
Assessment is completed through internally assessed work and practical evidence, with quality assurance in accordance with NOCN requirements.
Evidence may include:
- Written assignments
- Workplace observations
- Professional discussions
- Reflective accounts
- Witness testimonies
- Session plans and evaluations
- Case studies
- Products of work
- A portfolio of evidence
There is no end-point assessment, because this is an independent qualification.
Learners must achieve at least 37 credits: 25 credits from the mandatory units and at least 12 credits from optional units.
Funding
This qualification can be offered through the independent / self-funded route.
The government’s current funding record for qualification 603/5542/6 does not list Advanced Learner Loan approval.
Course Details
Individual completion times may vary depending on previous experience, working hours, progress with the mandatory qualification and the time required to gather workplace evidence.
Entry Requirements
- Aged 16 or over
- Some existing experience in a youth work environment, paid or voluntary
- Access to a suitable youth work environment for at least 80 hours of practice
- An interview and initial assessment with JACE
The initial assessment reviews previous qualifications, experience, safeguarding requirements and placement arrangements. Relevant prior youth work learning, such as the Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice, is useful but is discussed case by case.
Career Opportunities
Successful completion can lead to roles such as:
- Youth support worker
- Youth project worker
- Youth club leader
- Participation worker
- Detached or outreach youth worker
- Youth engagement worker
- Mentoring worker
- Community development worker
- Youth programme coordinator
- Specialist support worker
- Deputy youth project leader
Full details are available from NOCN.
Progression
After completing this qualification, learners may progress onto:
- Senior or specialist youth support responsibilities
- The Level 3 Youth Support Worker Apprenticeship, where appropriate
- Higher-level youth work study
- A JNC-recognised professional youth work degree
- Community development, mentoring or participation work
- Specialist support services for young people
Meet your Youth Work team
Who you will work with on your Youth Work qualification.
View bio
Natalie is JACE Training's Business Development Lead, Teacher and IQA, and has been a key member of the team since 1998. With over 28 years' experience in further education and apprenticeships, she leads across business development, curriculum, quality improvement and partnership working. As JACE's Ofsted Nominee and a Governor, Natalie plays a central role in shaping strategic priorities, quality standards and organisational growth. Passionate about learner success, she combines practical expertise with a collaborative approach to support learners, educators, employers and stakeholders alike.
View bio
I began my youth work journey as a volunteer in 1999, a decision that reshaped my career and led me from Finance and Administration into a profession rooted in supporting young people. After completing my Level 2 and 3 qualifications, I achieved my JNC DipHE in Youth, Community and Play Work at Birmingham University, followed by a Master's Degree focusing on Peer Education in youth work from Northampton University.
I spent 14 years as a Senior Youth Worker and Manager for Surrey County Council, leading teams, developing services, and championing high-quality youth provision. Since retiring from face-to-face practice in 2025, I have continued contributing to the sector as a freelance assessor and IQA, ensuring new practitioners enter the field with strong skills, confidence, and professional integrity.
My work has always been driven by a commitment to young people having a voice, reflective practice, and the belief that skilled practitioners can change lives. I remain dedicated to upholding the values of youth work and supporting the next generation of professionals.
Related Youth Work courses
NOCN Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice - FAQs
This qualification is designed for learners aged 16+ who are currently working or volunteering in a youth work setting and want to develop their skills, knowledge and professional practice. It is ideal for those looking to take on greater responsibility or specialise within youth work.
Yes. Learners should already have some experience in a youth work environment, either through employment or volunteering. Previous youth work qualifications may also be beneficial. JACE will assess your suitability during the enrolment process.
Yes. You must have access to a suitable youth work environment where you can complete at least 80 hours of practical experience and demonstrate the required skills and competencies.
Most learners complete the qualification within 9 to 12 months. The exact duration will depend on your individual circumstances, prior experience and the time available for study and placement activities.
You will explore a range of youth work subjects, including youth work theory, safeguarding, communication skills, group work, young people's development, reflective practice and responding to challenging behaviour. You will also have the opportunity to study specialist topics through optional units.
Assessment is carried out through coursework and practical evidence gathered throughout the programme. This may include written assignments, observations, reflective accounts, professional discussions, session plans, workplace evidence and a portfolio of work.
No. There are no formal written examinations. Assessment is based on your knowledge, skills and competence demonstrated through coursework and evidence from your youth work practice.
Yes. Your work experience can be completed in either a paid or voluntary youth work setting, provided it meets the requirements of the qualification and gives you opportunities to demonstrate the necessary skills.
As this is offered as an independent, self-funded qualification, course fees will apply. Please contact JACE for the latest pricing information and payment options.
Successful completion can support progression into a range of youth work and community support roles, including Youth Support Worker, Youth Project Worker, Youth Engagement Worker, Outreach Worker, Community Development Worker or Youth Programme Coordinator. It can also provide a pathway into higher-level study within youth work and related sectors.
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