Training

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering

University

You can become a community development worker if you have a foundation degree or degree in any subject.

You might find it useful to have a foundation degree or a degree in:

• community development
• community studies
• youth work
• social sciences

Most community development courses include work placements to help you build up your experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 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

A college course may help you apply for a trainee development worker job.

You could take a level 2 or 3 certificate in community development or a level 4 higher national certificate in social and community work.

Apprenticeship

If you want to help the community with health issues, you may be able to do a public health practitioner degree apprenticeship.

If you do this apprenticeship, you could work for organisations like charities, the NHS or local authorities. You'll help people in communities live long, healthy and happy lives.

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

Volunteering and work experience

Another way to become a community development worker is to volunteer for local projects. You'll usually receive some training. You may also get to take an introductory part time college course.

You can find opportunities working or volunteering:

• with a local community group, tenant association or charity
• in a related job in housing, regeneration, social work or youth work

Your experience and training as a volunteer could help you to find paid work. You can find volunteer opportunities on Do It and My Community.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

More information

Career tips

It's important to have experience that shows you're interested in community work.

Many people have experience in other jobs before they become a community development worker. This means you may have an advantage if you've previously worked in areas like teaching, youth work or healthcare.

Further information

You can get more details about working in community development from locality.

You can look for job opportunities on sites like:Local Government Jobs; Jobs Go Public; Third Sector Jobs

View all vacancies in this region

With experience you could:specialise in a certain issue, like health, homelessness or youth work; work with different issues and groups; manage a team of community development works; move into a role where you decide community policies; work as a freelance trainer or consultant;