You could do a degree in:

• social work
• youthwork
• psychology
• education

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

You could take a college course before applying for a trainee position. Courses include:

• Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice
• Level 4 Diploma in Counselling Skills and Theory

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could start by doing an Early Intervention Practitioner Level 4 or Early Years Lead Practitioner Level 5 Higher Apprenticeship.

You'll normally have to be working with children or young people to apply for these.

They take between 18 and 24 months to complete.

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

You may be able to work as an assistant welfare officer with a local authority and do training on the job to qualify. For this you'll usually need:

• experience working with children or young people
• GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent

You can get experience of working with children, families and young people, which may help when you apply for jobs. Examples include volunteering in schools, mentoring and youth work.

You can look for opportunities through organisations like:

• Volunteering Matters
• Do IT
• The NCVO

You can apply directly to become an education welfare officer if you've got relevant experience and qualifications.

Employers usually look for people who have a background in:

• social work
• teaching
• counselling
• youth and community work

You'll need:

• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• knowledge of psychology
• knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
• sensitivity and understanding
• customer service skills
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks
• have a full driving licence

As an education welfare officer, you'll:

• work closely with school staff to identify and fix attendance problems
• meet parents and pupils at school or home to explain how you can help them
• attend magistrates' court when required
• arrange education for pupils who are excluded
• handle sensitive personal information correctly and update records

You could work at a school or from home.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding and you'll travel often.