Apprentice - Youth Worker

Do you see yourself making a real difference in young people’s lives?

Can you use your passion and enthusiasm to support and inspire the next generation?

Does the idea of starting a meaningful career while learning on the job excite you?

If yes, we have the perfect role for you!

Our Youth & Play Service is looking for passionate and dedicated Youth Work Apprentice to join our amazing team and help make a difference today!

About the Role:

Our apprenticeship programme combines hands-on work experience with the opportunity to study for a Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice (England).

In this role, you will:

• Work directly with young people aged 11–19 (up to 25 with SEN)
  
  
• Support the delivery of engaging activities across youth centres and adventure playgrounds
  
  
• Help create safe, inclusive, and positive environments for young people
  
  
• Contribute to council-wide initiatives including Youth Parliament, grants programmes, and digital youth services (One Hub)
  
  
• Work alongside experienced professionals and partners across statutory and voluntary sectors

About You:

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic, committed, and eager to learn.

You will:

• Be motivated to develop a career in youth work
  
  
• Have a genuine interest in supporting young people’s development
  
  
• Demonstrate good communication and teamwork skills
  
  
• Be reliable, adaptable, and willing to learn in a supported environment
  
  
• Be committed to completing the Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice

About the Team:

Our Youth & Play Service is dedicated to providing high-quality opportunities and positive activities for young people across the borough.

You’ll be joining a supportive and inclusive team that:

• Values creativity, collaboration, and innovation
  
  
• Is committed to tackling inequality and promoting fairness
  
  
• Offers opportunities for training, development, and career progression
  
  
• Works across a variety of settings including youth centres, adventure playgrounds, and community projects

For detailed qualifications and requirements, please review the job description and person specification located at the bottom of the advert.

This position requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at
Enhanced - Adults and Children (Barred) level.

Contact Information:

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Paul Davies at paul.davies4@southwark.gov.uk.

Additional Information:

• Must have 5 GCSEs at grade A to C, or the equivalent, including
  Math’s and English
  
  
• Hours of work, 36 hours per week Monday - Friday (the post holder will be required to work at least 3 evenings per week and occasionally work on the weekends.
  
  
• 2-year fixed term contract
  
  
• Applicants must be 16 or over.
  

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline:

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Tuesday 16th June 2026.

Shortlisting Date: To be confirmed.

Interview date/Assessment date: Monday 6th July 2026.

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

Attachments

• Job Description and Person Specification - Apprentice - Youth Worker