Invest in your future with our industry-recognised training programme, designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in your field. For just £1675, you can complete the course in 9 to 18 months, gaining valuable expertise through classroom-based or Online. Our flexible delivery model ensures you receive high-quality instruction while balancing your personal and professional commitments. Take the next step in your career with Need 2 Succeed!
Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice
Ideal for experienced youth workers ready to take their next big step, this advanced course is designed for those who want to move into senior roles, management, or lead youth-focused projects with confidence and credibility. The Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice provides you with a JNC-accredited, industry-recognised qualification, making you stand out to employers and organisations across the sector.
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Course Cost
£1675
Course Duration
9-18 months
Course Delivery
Classroom / Online
About the Qualification
Introduction
Introducing the revamped SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice!
This updated course, developed by the National Youth Agency and industry experts, replaces the previous Level 3 Certificate. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel as a Assistant Youth Support Worker at Level 2 and a Youth Support Worker at Level 3, whether paid or voluntary.
With 8 mandatory units and 28 optional ones, this qualification ensures you’re ready for further training or a variety of youth work settings. It aligns with National Occupational Standards, providing you with essential knowledge and competencies.
Ready to boost your career in youth work? Let’s get started!
Curriculum
By completing this qualification, you’ll gain a solid understanding and practical experience, studying similar units to level 2, but you will be assessed at level 3.
You will also explore these exciting level 3 topics in your youth work journey:
Group Work within a Youth Work Setting: Learn how to effectively facilitate and manage group dynamics.
Working with Behaviour that Challenges in Youth Work Settings: Develop strategies to handle challenging behaviour with confidence and care.
Work-Based Practice in Youth Work: Gain hands-on experience to apply your skills in real-world youth work settings.
Reflective Practice in a Youth Work Setting: Enhance your ability to reflect on your experiences and
continuously improve your practice.
Ready to dive in and make a difference? These topics will equip you with the tools you need to succeed!
See our case studies for more inspiration
Progression Opportunities
Finish the SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice and unlock even more opportunities!
Advance to a Diploma: Successfully complete this certificate and you can choose to complete additional units to achieve the SEG Awards Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice.
Higher Education Pathways: Successful Level 3 learners can progress to other Level 3 programs, which can lead to
Foundation Degrees and Higher Education.
Career Boost: The SEG Awards Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice is the qualification you need if you want to become a JNC qualified Youth Support Worker.
Ready to take the next big step in your youth work career? Let’s make it happen!
Who is this Programme for
Building on the core areas covered at Level 2, this course dives deeper into the professional practices, leadership skills, and strategic thinking needed to influence positive change at a higher level. If you’re passionate about progressing your career and making a lasting impact, this qualification is your gateway to greater responsibility, recognition, and reward.
These qualifications will help you develop the underpinning knowledge and work skills you require to competently work towards or carry out the role of Youth Support Worker at Level 3.
Enrol today and take control of your future in youth work – the next stage of your professional journey starts here.
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
Sophie Williams – Youth Worker & Programme Lead, Manchester
Profile
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Age: 29
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Setting: Inner-city community centre, Moss Side, Manchester
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Learning pathway: Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice (completed January 2025)
- Current role: Leads a team of four staff and eight volunteers delivering the centre’s 11–19s programme.
Starting point & challenges
Sophie had five years’ frontline experience but had just inherited programme leadership. Her priorities were to:
- Build a coherent curriculum rather than stand-alone activities.
- Introduce quality assurance without killing creativity.
- Strengthen partnerships with schools and mental-health services.
How Need 2 Succeed helped
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Curriculum impact: The Level 3 modules on curriculum design and evidence-based practice became the blueprint for her new “STEP-UP” personal development programme.
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Peer connection: A peer-learning network connected Sophie with youth leads across the North-West for ongoing idea-sharing.
- Leadership growth: Bespoke management coaching sessions focused on delegation and performance conversations, giving her the confidence to lead older colleagues.
Results
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Complete programme overhaul: 24-week rolling curriculum aligned to city-wide youth priorities.
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External funding success: £45k Sport England grant awarded in May 2025, citing the new structure as “sector leading”.
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Staff retention: Up from 60% to 90%.
- Young-person outcomes: 40% increase in AQA-unit accreditations; 30% decrease in recorded anti-social behaviour around the centre.
Personal quote
“The course wasn’t just a qualification – it was a leadership accelerator. Need 2 Succeed turned big ideas into a deliverable plan that funders and young people both love.”
Next steps
Sophie is now mentoring two colleagues through their Level 2s and exploring a Level 4 Leadership & Management qualification with Need 2 Succeed next year.
Why are case studies important?
These cases showcase Need 2 Succeeds 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 example 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.
