Posted on 5 March 2026
This is to support the rebuilding of local youth sector capability and leadership.
A significant focus of this investment is workforce development — strengthening the skills, confidence and professional capacity of staff and volunteers who work with young people. As part of this, we are offering fully funded opportunities for individuals to gain an accredited Level 2 or Level 3 Certificate in Youth Work Practice.
We are now inviting expressions of interest from staff and volunteers across:
- Secondary schools
- Alternative provisions
- Voluntary and community sector organisations
These qualifications are ideal for roles that regularly support young people and already draw on youth‑work‑related skills, including:
- Pastoral and safeguarding teams
- SEND support staff
- Behaviour and inclusion teams
- Mentors and classroom support staff
The training helps strengthen key competencies such as:
- Relationship building
- Group work
- Safeguarding
- Personal and social development
- Behaviour support
The qualification is also well‑suited to football and sports coaches who want to broaden their practice, particularly those involved in:
- Mentoring
- Safeguarding and welfare
- Informal education
- Supporting young people beyond sport
- Leading independent sessions and programmes
Thanks to DCMS funding, all places on these courses are fully funded.
Important deadlines:
- Expressions of interest close: Friday 20 March 2026
- Learners must be fully enrolled, and courses commenced by: 31 March 2026
If you would like to submit an expression of interest please email derbyshire.youthnetwork@derbyshire.gov.uk with the name(s) and email address(es) of those wishing to take part, along with the Level they are interested in studying.