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.