You can become a community development worker if you have a foundation degree or degree in any subject.

You might find it useful to have a foundation degree or a degree in:

• community development
• community studies
• youth work
• social sciences

Most community development courses include work placements to help you build up your experience.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

A college course may help you apply for a trainee development worker job.

You could take a level 2 or 3 certificate in community development or a level 4 higher national certificate in social and community work.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

If you want to help the community with health issues, you may be able to do a public health practitioner degree apprenticeship.

If you do this apprenticeship, you could work for organisations like charities, the NHS or local authorities. You'll help people in communities live long, healthy and happy lives.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Another way to become a community development worker is to volunteer for local projects. You'll usually receive some training. You may also get to take an introductory part time college course.

You can find opportunities working or volunteering:

• with a local community group, tenant association or charity
• in a related job in housing, regeneration, social work or youth work

Your experience and training as a volunteer could help you to find paid work. You can find volunteer opportunities on Do It and My Community.

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• knowledge of psychology
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work well with others
• leadership skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• knowledge of English language
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In this role you could:

• find out about the community's needs, problems and barriers
• make sure local people take action and have their say
• find new opportunities and monitor existing projects
• help to raise public awareness about community issues
• raise funds and manage budgets
  
• plan meetings and events
  

You could work in the community or in an office.