Youth Work Apprenticeship in Manchester

Location: Based at a local GMYF Youth Centre in Manchester or Trafford with regular attendance at Ormside Mill Outdoor Residential Centre in Cumbria.

Responsible to: Outdoor Education Manager.

Contract: Fixed 3-year apprenticeship contract with potential for FT employment on completion of successful apprenticeship.

Hours: 30 hours per week to be worked flexibly, inclusive one day per week university study.

Salary/Grade: £20,982 with the option of an auto enrolment pension.

Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays (pro rata).

Introduction: Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) is a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We are dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people, especially those facing disadvantage. A key part of our offer is the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and our approach champions youth voice, inclusion, building confidence and resilience. We offer outdoor education activities, including residentials at our Ormside Mill Residential Centre in Cumbria.

Purpose of Role: The Youth Work Apprentice will work alongside professionally qualified youth workers learning the skills and qualities of the youth work profession. The apprentice will attend sessions on a weekly basis as well as committing to a university study day each trimester. A central focus will be to engage and support young people 11 – 18 years to take part in outdoor education activities including the Duke of Edinburgh Award. There will be an expectation for the apprentice to attend residential events, expeditions and wider outdoor activities e.g. canoeing, climbing and hill walking to encourage and support young people taking part in these activities. Apprentices will learn a range of essential youth work skills including mentoring, boundaries, safeguarding and reflective practice which they will utilise in their work with young people, carrying out their roles with enthusiasm, integrity and professionalism. An overarching skill and ethos of the role will be to build trustful and meaningful relationships with young people for which ongoing training will be provided. Understanding the barriers some young people face and how to overcome these will be a regular feature of the youth worker portfolio of skills. While the core components of youth work skills will be central to the role a significant amount of time will be spent supporting young people to experience and enjoy outdoor activities which is central to our mission of improving the life chances, inclusiveness and resilience of young people. The role will involve regular travel and overnight stays which will need to be worked flexibly to meet the needs of the charity. A TOIL system is in place which is subject to agreement with line manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Programme Delivery & Development

Undertake a course of studies at degree level attending university one day per week developing a broad range of skills, knowledge and behaviours to achieve a professionally recognised youth worker Degree Apprenticeship. Develop a working knowledge of GMYF’s policies and procedures in line with the requirements of the organisation and to meet the Apprenticeship Standard. To have a high regard to and comply with GMYF’s Safeguarding Policy and Procedures and to maintain a strong working knowledge of appropriate safeguarding developments. Provide high levels of performance which comply with GMYF’s commitment to young people, particularly those facing disadvantage and wider barriers to participation and achievement. Under supervision, work closely with other team members to assist (and as skills levels develop lead) in a range of youth work projects and areas of specialism e.g. outdoor education. Plan, coordinate, and support young people aged 11–18, up to 25 with additional needs, to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, reflecting GMYF’s youth work approach, values and behaviours. Develop progressive outdoor learning pathways that support personal development, confidence, teamwork, leadership, and wellbeing. Work collaboratively with youth workers to integrate outdoor education into wider youth work programmes, targeted interventions, and school partnerships. Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to the needs of young people from diverse backgrounds, including those with ADHD, SEND and other barriers to participation. Through personal example promote the behaviours that exemplify GMYF mission and ambition.

Safety, Quality & Compliance

Ensure youth worker apprenticeship compliance and comply with university policy and procedures throughout the duration of studies. This will include working to GMYF professional guidance and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff. Adhere to relevant legislation, guidance, and licensing requirements as directed by supervising staff. Read, understand and comply with risk assessments, operating procedures, and emergency action plans as required. Contribute to and support the organisation’s monitoring and self-evaluation process.

Administration & Organisation

Maintain all academic and administrative duties aligned with the youth worker degree apprenticeship. Keep accurate and up-to-date records as required by line manager consistent with GDPR. Contribute to the promotion and marketing of GMYF to schools, youth groups, and partners.

Representation & Partnership Working

Develop and maintain a professional partnership with the youth worker degree apprenticeship training provider, schools, DofE, funders, and outdoor sector regulator bodies. Represent GMYF within the youth work and outdoor education sectors at meetings and events. Advocate for the value of outdoor learning in supporting young people’s wellbeing, mental health, and personal development. Support GMYF’s strategic objectives and values through professional leadership, collaboration, and celebration of success.

Person Specification

• Essential L2 qualification in Maths and English
• L3 qualification e.g. Youth Work, Sports Leader or similar (A’ Levels)
• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and youth-centred practice
• Ability to work collaboratively within a youth work and multi-disciplinary team
• L3 Safeguarding qualification working with young people – to be obtained within 3 months of employment – training provided via employer

Desirable

• Experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, including those facing disadvantage or additional barriers
• Experience and passion for outdoor education activities and or qualifications in this area e.g Mountain Leader, canoe instructor

*If an applicant does not have the essential qualifications stipulated, discretion may be applied if the applicant can evidence significant work experience and demonstrate appropriate levels of literacy and numeracy for studying in Higher Education.

Other Requirements

GMYF is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An Enhanced DBS is required for this post. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. This is a UK-based post, and applicants must be living in and have the right to work in the UK. If applicable, please detail your Visa status in your cover email.

Closing date for applications: 14th May 2026, midday. Interview date: 20th & 21st May 2026. Start date: August 2026.