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Get into Youth Work over image of young adults smiling.
Feb 19, 2025 News

Education providers join forces: get into youth work

Grimsby has become a unique hub in the youth work sector, allowing existing and aspiring youth workers to get all the qualifications they need in one town.

Since 2023, Grimsby and Cleethorpes have seen significant investment in youth centre projects. Up to £12m government funding was awarded to various projects by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport’s Youth Investment Fund.

To support this growing sector, local education providers have collaborated together to produce a specialist offering – the ability to obtain youth work qualifications at almost every level.

The Grimsby Institute offers a free four-week introduction to youth studies course, covering teamwork, interpersonal skills, and communication and social skills. It is an excellent introduction to those interested in youth work as a possible career.

Franklin Sixth Form College Adult Hub offers a Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work. Working in Partnership with the local Youth Work Alliance, students spend an evening a week in college and undertake a weekly placement in a local youth work organisation.

National Employer Training offers a Skills Bootcamp in Youth Work for those who manage small-scale provisions and teams or have specialist responsibilities. This 16-week course provides a Level 3 qualification recognised by the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC).

The University Centre Grimsby provides a Foundation Degree in Children, Young People and Families which runs over two years. As part of this degree, students undertake a programme to get hands-on experience alongside theoretical knowledge. The degree opens doors into family support and early intervention work, as well as careers in non-teaching roles such as youth support, safeguarding, and inclusion.

Charlee Bewsher, Strategy Manager of the Youth Work Unit Yorkshire and the Humber CIO, described the town’s offer as “brilliant”.  She said:

“I work with youth work planners and providers across Yorkshire and the Humber, and I am so pleased and impressed by the innovative way the North East Lincolnshire Youth Alliance has identified new opportunities to fund youth work practice training. It enables those interested in working with children and young people to access youth work training pathways at local colleges on their doorstep!”

These leading education providers have joined forces, hosting a ‘Get into Youth Work’ taster day at the YMCA Humber on Wednesday, 19th February. This free event offers guests the opportunity to get hands-on experience in live youth work sessions and discover the qualifications needed to kickstart careers in youth work.