The Youth Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeship programme (with JNC accreditation) is an innovative and exciting professional programme offered by the University of Derby for those wanting to gain professional youth worker accreditation through an apprenticeship route.
Co-developed in partnership with students, graduates and employers, it combines creative academic learning approaches with practical workplace experience and continual professional development. Designed to meet the demands of an evolving youth work landscape and respond to the growth of youth provision in inter-professional spaces, the programme places employability and interpersonal skills needed by aspiring youth workers and employers central to the delivery.
Structured over three years, the programme is endorsed by the National Youth Agency (NYA) and recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) for youth and community workers for aligning with the National Occupational Standards for Youth Work. The apprenticeship programme also meets the apprenticeship standards set out by the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE).
The programme adopts a blended learning approach which incorporates multi-disciplinary learning alongside social workers and public health professionals, combining face-to-face teaching, online resources, and independent study. Apprentices spend at least 20% of their time in ‘off-the-job training’, which includes lectures, workshops, seminars, and self-directed study. Regular progress reviews and personalised support from personal academic tutors and workplace mentors ensure apprentices are well-supported throughout their learning journey.
The curriculum consists of ten modules spread over 35 months, adhering to Youth Work National Occupational Standards. It includes 160 hours of assessed practice in a contrasting placement context to the apprentice’s usual employer, meeting the 20% ‘off-the-job’ learning requirement.
Year 1 (Level 4) – Certificate in Higher Education in Social Care Studies (120 credits)
- Working with Young People (40 credits) – Rooted in the foundational values and principles of youth work, the module explores the knowledge, skills and methods central to effective practice with individuals and groups of young people.
- Practice and Safeguarding (20 credits) – Recognising the increasingly inter-professional spaces in which youth workers operate, this module helps apprentices develop safe and reflective practice through the exploration of supervision, accountability and core safeguarding processes.
- Human Development in Society (40 credits) – This module explores theories of human development and their application to youth work practice, focusing on the transition from childhood to young adulthood and beyond. Jointly taught with social work, this module also looks at the interplay between developmental stages and other key people in the lives of young people.
- Understanding Intersectionality (20 credits) – This module sheds light on the influences and factors that shape a young person’s identity, including sexuality, gender, family dynamics, cultural heritage, and faith systems. It navigates through the life transitions from childhood to adulthood and explores the profound impact of stereotypes and discrimination of the life outcomes of young people. This module is jointly taught with social work.
Year 2 (Level 5) – Diploma of Higher Education in Social Care Studies (120 credits)
- Creating and Leading Projects (40 credits) – This modules aims to equip apprentices with the knowledge that underpins different forms of learning and the skills needed to assess need, facilitate learning and evaluate learning projects relevant to young people. The module examines concepts of participation, enablement, empowerment, agenda, creativity and motivation.
- Rights and responsibilities in Safeguarding (20 credits) - This module is designed to provide apprentices with the essential knowledge and skills required to be the safeguarding lead in youth settings. Through an exploration of key legislation and an examination of the role of a safeguarding lead, apprentices will gain insights and skills to implement safeguarding best practices and clarity on referring to other professionals as appropriate.
- Research Trauma Informed Practice (20 credits) – Through a comprehensive examination of trauma-informed approaches and research methodologies, this module equips apprentices with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and address the complex needs of young people. Jointly taught with Social Work, this module allows apprentices to develop a compassionate and empathetic approach to supporting individuals, ensuring their well-being, and fostering positive outcomes.
- Safeguarding Interventions and Approaches (40 credits) - Jointly taught with Social Work, this module offers a comprehensive exploration of the complex dynamics sometimes present within a young person’s family life. Exploring the issues conceptualized as the ‘triology of abuse’, apprentices will gain a nuanced understanding of the interconnectedness of parental domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental illness, and consider culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches to supporting young people affected by these issues.
Year 3 Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Youth Work (120 credits)
- People and Service Management (30 credits) – Recognising the increasingly challenging landscape of youth service delivery, this module gives apprentices an insight into the complexities of delivering services in the current climate through effective fund-raising and achieving outcomes, while future-proofing the work of their organisation through robust organisational constitutions and governance structures. This module provides opportunities for apprentices to develop knowledge and skills in strategic management while analysing their own skills and practice applying relevant academic theory.
- Independent Study (60 credits) - Jointly taught with Social Work, this module allows apprentices to integrate their own areas of interest and learning to the study of current trends in society and practice. Through independent study, the module provides apprentices with the opportunity to demonstrate independent work skills, showcasing critical analysis, problem-solving, objective evaluation, and reflection on a specific area of practice.
- End-Point Assessment (EPA) (30 credits) - Integrated assessment to evaluate readiness for professional practice.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Youth Work Apprenticeship programme will obtain JNC recognition as a professional youth worker and are well-prepared for various roles within the youth work sector based within a variety of contexts including Local Authorities, Voluntary, Charitable and Social Enterprise (VCSE) sector, schools, prisons, healthcare services and more. The programme also provides pathways to higher qualifications and continuous professional development, ensuring graduates remain up to date with best practices and emerging trends in the field.
The programme has been developed in collaboration with key stakeholders, including Local Authorities, NHS partnerships, schools, various charitable and non-profit organisations and key leaders in allied sectors and organisations. Furthermore, many of the representatives from stakeholder agencies are graduates of previous iterations of the programme. This collaborative approach ensures the curriculum aligns with the professional values and principles of youth work, as well as industry standards and practice demands, preparing apprentices effectively for their future careers.
Additional Features
- Professional Accreditation: The course is validated by the National Youth Agency (NYA) meaning that completion leads to the Joint Negotiating Committee for youth and Community Workers (JNC) professional accreditation; the Level 6 professional qualification for youth workers.
- Interdisciplinary Integration: Joint teaching alongside social workers and public health professionals for some of the modules fosters a comprehensive understanding of the issues and contexts pertinent to modern-day youth work.
- Ethical Principles: Emphasis is placed upon anti-oppressive practice and inclusivity throughout all aspects of the programme.
- Placement Integration: ‘On the job’ training within the employing agency alongside the 160 hours of contrasting placement experience provides relevant and current hands-on experience in different contexts, allowing opportunities to apply leaning to real-world practice.
- Personal Development: Focuses on developing key transferable skills, accountability and professionalism beyond graduation for the duration of your career.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Gain practical, hands-on experience in our real-world learning facilities such as our crown court, custody suite and crime scene house.
To qualify for enrolment, apprentices must hold paid employment within the broad youth work sector and meet the following criteria:
- Qualifications: GCSE grades 9-4/A*-C in English and Mathematics or equivalent. Where this is not provided, applications will be supported to complete the required basic skills during the programme as additional learning sessions
- Knowledge and Experience: Demonstrate relevant youth work experience as well as proficiency in using various IT facilities including email, internet and word processing
- Skills Scan: Complete a personal statement for the UoD application process, providing/confirming relevant information and certifications
- Interview Process: Includes a written test, group exercise, and one-to-one interview with a panel
- DBS Check: Complete an enhanced-level DBS check through the employer.
The cost will be paid for by the employer. The cost of the apprenticeship will normally be in line with the Levy Band of £20,000, but individual agreements will be considered depending on student numbers and the involvement of employers
Apprentices will need to apply through their employer.
Employers can find out more by contacting the Apprenticeships Hub. Please see the contact information below.
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