You could do a foundation degree, degree or postgraduate award in:

• youth work
• youth justice
• social work
• criminology

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 degree in any subject for a postgraduate course

You could do a youth justice practitioner higher apprenticeship.

You'll need paid or voluntary experience of working with young people and sometimes adults in challenging situations. This could include in hostels, special schools, family support teams, residential childcare or youth services.

Entry requirements

Employers will set their own entry requirements.

You can start by volunteering to work with young people. For example, mentoring will give you an understanding of the issues they face.

You can also support young people in the criminal justice system by volunteering as an appropriate adult. Opportunities and training are organised locally.

You can get more information on volunteering opportunities in your area from Do-it and at NCVO.

You may be able to apply directly for jobs if you have relevant experience and a qualification in:

• youth work
• probation
• social work
• policing

You'll need:

• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of psychology
• to be flexible and open to change
• the ability to work on your own
• counselling skills including active listening and a non-judgemental approach
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

In your day-to-day duties you might:

• carry out risk assessments and manage risk of reoffending
• prepare reports for the courts before sentencing
• provide support to young offenders to prevent reoffending
• make referrals to other agencies like housing, or drug and alcohol misuse services
• supervise young offenders on court orders, community sentences, and after release from secure institutions
• help young offenders into education, work or training
• encourage young people to take part in constructive activities
• visit young people in secure institutions

You could work in a court, at a client's home, in a prison, in the community, at a police station or in an office.

Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.