Youth Work Degree Apprentice (Level 6)
Location: The Boathouse Youth (centres, outreach, schools, camps, canal boat programmes across Fylde Coast & Lancashire)
Responsible to: Youth Work Centre Manager
Contract: Fixed Term – Level 6 Apprenticeship (36 months)
Hours: Full-time (includes evenings, weekends, and residentials)
About The Boathouse Youth
We help children & young people realise potential via relationship-based youth work. We provide safe spaces to develop confidence, resilience, and independence. Programmes include open-access youth work, targeted interventions, outreach, schools, mentoring, outdoor education, and canal boat experiences.
Combine academic study with practical experience to become a qualified Youth Worker.
Purpose of the Role
Work with experienced staff to plan, deliver, and evaluate high-quality youth work empowering ages 8–25. Gain broad experience during the Level 6 Apprenticeship, developing professional judgement and leadership. Complete a BA (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship with the University of Greater Manchester, attending the Bolton campus one day weekly alongside workplace learning.
Key Responsibilities
- Support planning, delivery, and evaluation of youth programmes across centres and venues.
- Build professional relationships with young people to promote trust and participation.
- Facilitate group work, workshops, and informal education, responding to needs.
- Involve young people in shaping programmes via consultation and youth voice.
- Promote confidence, resilience, wellbeing, and independence via relationship-based practice.
- Help young people access education, employment, training, volunteering, and community assets.
- Deliver activities promoting healthy lifestyles, positive relationships, and safe decisions.
Community & Outreach
- Participate in detached and outreach youth work within communities.
- Support engagement with schools, colleges, local authorities, and partners.
- Represent the charity at community events and partnership activities.
- Contribute to community projects addressing local needs.
Residential & Outdoor Learning
- Participate in residential camps, outdoor learning, and canal boat programmes.
- Support planning and delivery of adventurous activities.
- Build teamwork, independence, and resilience via residentials.
- Assist with logistics, risk assessments, and safeguarding for residentials.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
- Promote safeguarding and welfare of children and young people at all times.
- Recognise and respond to safeguarding concerns following organisational policies.
- Maintain safe, welcoming spaces where diversity is valued, and discrimination is challenged.
- Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across all aspects of practice.
Professional Practice
- Complete registers, session records, evaluations, and admin accurately within deadlines.
- Contribute to planning meetings, supervision sessions, and reflective practice.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies to improve outcomes.
- Apply academic learning from the apprenticeship programme into daily practice.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with GDPR, safeguarding, and organisational policies.
Learning & Development
- Complete all requirements of the Level 6 Youth Work Degree Apprenticeship.
- Attend university teaching, tutorials, and workplace learning activities.
- Maintain a portfolio demonstrating Knowledge, Skills, and Behaviours required by the standard.
- Engage actively in supervision, mentoring, and professional development.
- Apply academic learning to improve practice and critically reflect on personal development.
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- GCSE English Language Grade 4/C or above (or Level 2 Functional Skills).
- Plus one: 96–112 UCAS points / BTEC Extended Diploma MMM–DMM / BTEC Diploma DD–DD / T Level Pass (C+) to Merit / Level 3 qualification in relevant subject.
- Full UK right to work and Enhanced DBS check before appointment.
Note: Applicants with non-traditional qualifications but 3+ years of relevant youth work experience may be considered.
- Meet university entry rules and complete all academic and workplace learning.
- Minimum 100 hours of volunteering or working with children & young people.
- Essential Knowledge, Skills and Attributes
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
- Good organisational, IT, and administrative skills for accurate record-keeping.
- Effective team worker with collaborative problem-solving and decision-making skills.
- Ability to reflect on practice and respond positively to feedback.
- Clear commitment to safeguarding, equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Ability to manage own workload, prioritising tasks effectively.
- Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and residential programmes.
Desirable
- Understanding of youth work principles and values.
- Experience within schools, community organisations, or the voluntary sector.
- Full UK driving licence (or willingness to work towards getting one).
What We Offer
- Paid employment alongside a fully funded Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship.
- Structured supervision, mentoring, and ongoing professional development.
- Broad experience across youth centres, schools, outreach, and community projects.
- Opportunities to support residential camps and canal boat programmes.
- A supportive, values-led working environment.
The Boathouse Youth is committed to safeguarding & promoting the welfare of children and young people. Appointments are subject to satisfactory references.
