Childcare

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

University

You could do a degree in:

• social work
• youthwork
• psychology
• education

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
• university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/

College

You could take a college course before applying for a trainee position. Courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice
• Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory

Apprenticeship

You could start by doing an Early Intervention Practitioner Level 4 or Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

You'll normally have to be working with children or young people to apply for these.

They take between 18 and 24 months to complete.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You may be able to work as an assistant welfare officer with a local authority and do training on the job to qualify. For this you'll usually need:

• experience working with children or young people
• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent

Volunteering and work experience

You can get experience of working with children, families and young people, which may help when you apply for jobs. Examples include volunteering in schools, mentoring and youth work.

You can look for opportunities through organisations like:

• Volunteering Matters
• Do IT
• The NCVO

Direct application

You can apply directly to become an education welfare officer if you've got relevant experience and qualifications.

Employers usually look for people who have a background in:

• social work
• teaching
• counselling
• youth and community work

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• have a full driving licence

More information

Further information

You'll find more details about working in education welfare through the education welfare service of your local council.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience and training you could become a team leader, senior education welfare officer or a head of service.

You could also train for a career in social services, the probation service, youth work or pastoral care.