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Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles
Looking to make a real impact in the lives of young people? The Level 2 Youth Work Award is the ideal introduction to the core principles of youth work, giving you a solid foundation and a taste of what it takes to thrive in the field.
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Course Cost
£775
Course Duration
6-12 months
Course Delivery
Classroom-Based/Blended
About the Qualification
Introduction
Say hello to the new and improved SEG Awards Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles!
We’ve revamped our previous Level 2 Award in Youth Work Practice with help from the National Youth Agency, Awarding Organisations, and top industry experts. This refreshed course is designed to give you the knowledge and understanding you need to thrive in the youth work sector.
All units in this qualification are mandatory, ensuring you’re fully equipped and ready to move on to more advanced training opportunities. Dive in and get ready to make a difference in the world of youth work!
Curriculum
By completing this qualification, you’ll gain solid knowledge and hands-on experience in:
· Youth Work Theory: Learn the ins and outs of youth work, including the essential skills, knowledge, qualities, and values you need to practice effectively.
· Safeguarding: Discover how to protect young people, especially when they’re using the latest technologies.
· Youth Development: Understand how youth work supports young people through their adolescent years.
· Engagement & Communication: Master the skills and knowledge needed to effectively engage and communicate with young people in a youth work setting.
Get ready to make a real impact and support the next generation!
See our case studies for more inspiration
Progression Opportunities
Finish the Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles and unlock exciting new opportunities!
Advance to a Level 2 Certificate: Continue your journey with a Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice.
Climb to Level 3: If you ace Level 2, you can move on to Level 3 programmes, paving the way to Foundation Degrees and Higher Education. Your path in youth work is just getting started, and there’s so much more to explore!
Who is this Programme for
Perfect for aspiring youth workers, career changers, or anyone passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives, this course offers the ideal introduction to a fulfilling and purpose-driven profession. Whether you’re looking to build your confidence, gain essential skills, or explore a brand-new career path, this qualification provides a clear and supportive starting point. Don’t wait to create a future where your work truly matters – enrol today and take the first bold step toward a meaningful, rewarding career in youth work.
What your qualifications can lead
Youth Support Worker
Targeted Youth Support Worker
Community Development Officer
Outreach and Detached Worker
Youth Support Workers build trusted relationships with young people, offering support and guidance away from life’s pressures. They typically work with ages 11 to 19 but can support up to age 25 as needed. Found in youth clubs, community centres, hospitals, and faith-based venues, they create safe environments where young people feel heard and valued. Through social educational activities and programmes, they promote personal development, social skills, and emotional well-being. They listen, advise, and mentor, helping young people navigate adolescence and early adulthood. By fostering positive relationships, Youth Support Workers provide stability and encouragement, empowering young people to make informed decisions and build brighter futures.
Your Learner Journey – How It Works
Rating 5.0
Our Experience Is Your Advantage
Case Study
Tyler James – Aspiring Youth Worker, London
Profile
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Age: 17
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Setting: Community youth centre in Hackney, east London
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Learning pathway: Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles (completed January 2025)
- Future plan: Progressing onto the full Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice
Starting point & challenges
Tyler started volunteering at his local youth centre after benefiting from its mentoring programme himself. Motivated to give back, he wanted to better understand how youth work “actually works” behind the scenes – but at 17, he was unsure if youth work was a realistic career path.
How Need 2 Succeed helped
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Solid foundation: The Level 2 Award gave Tyler a solid foundation in youth work values, the importance of safeguarding, and how professional boundaries work – without overwhelming him.
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Engaging delivery: The youth-friendly delivery style, with interactive tasks and relatable examples, helped Tyler stay engaged and feel taken seriously as a future practitioner.
- 1:1 guidance: He also received 1:1 guidance from his tutor on next steps, including CV advice and how to apply for paid roles once he turns 18.
Results
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Clarity and direction: Tyler now sees youth work as a long-term goal and has mapped out his progression through to Level 3 in the next two years.
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Increased responsibility: His centre now trusts him to co-deliver junior sessions and manage session registers.
- Peer role model: Younger attendees have started approaching Tyler for support – and staff report he handles it with maturity and appropriate signposting.
Personal quote
“I used to think youth workers just turned up and chilled with people – now I understand it’s a real skill, and I want to learn it properly. This was my first step.”
Next steps
Tyler will begin the Level 2 Certificate in Youth Work Practice with Need 2 Succeed in Summer 2025. His goal is to be a paid sessional youth worker by age 18 and progress to Level 3 by 2027.
Why are case studies important?
These cases showcase Need 2 Succeed’s ability to develop talent, improve provision and evidence real-world outcomes – a compelling narrative for funders, commissioners and prospective learners alike. They provide a picture of how Need 2 Succeed develops talent at every level, from first exposure to professional leadership.
They are powerful examples of how Need 2 Succeed opens doors at the very start of the youth work journey, empowering volunteers – often from underrepresented communities – to become confident, capable practitioners.
They represent the current and next generation of youth workers, and include young people who’ve experienced youth services themselves and now want to give back.
