Level 2 and 3

Who is this course for?

Having engaging, qualified and professional Youth Workers is the corner stone of what we do. And the Level 2 and 3 Youth Work courses helps youth and community workers to do this and develop their career.

The courses are open to everyone, and will set you up for a fulfilling career in youth work. What is learnt makes an impact, as seen by these quotes from managers and learners alike.

“Completing the course has had a really positive impact on both our staff and 2BU as a whole. The 2BU Team are now more skilled, motivated, and confident in their roles, which directly benefits the young people we support. This has also strengthened our organisation, allowing us to offer more effective services and better outcomes…” MANAGER 2024

“It definitely gave me more tools and confidence to handle tough and sometimes unexpected situations. What helped the most is probably the very detailed
feedback I received, it made me feel valued and motivated me to keep learning on my own.” LEARNER 2024

Why train with Turtle CYP?

Our Level 2 Award in Youth Work Principles and Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice courses are accredited by the NOCN – National Open College Network.  The Level 3 Diploma is also endorsed by the JNC (Joint Negotiation Committee) for youth and community workers.

We are an NOCN Approved Centre, running courses using a mix of online teaching, face to face sessions, and hands on experience (we can help you find a placement if required). 

What does the course involve?

For the Level 2 Award, there are 4 units: 

  • Unit 1 – Theory of Youth Work
  • Unit 2 – Engaging and Communicating with young people
  • Unit 3 – Adolescent Development
  • Unit 4 – Safeguarding in youth work settings.

For Level 3 Diploma, you do the 4 units above, then an additional 10 units: 

  • Unit 5 – Group work in Youth work
  • Unit 6 – Work Based Practice
  • Unit 7 – Behaviour that challenges in youth work setting
  • Unit 8 – Reflective practice in Youth Work
  • Unit 9 – Anti-discriminatory Practice
  • Unit 10 – Referrals and Signposting
  • Unit 11 – Understanding how youth work supports young people who are LGBTQ+
  • Unit 12 – Principles of supporting young people with regard to relationships and sexual health
  • Unit 13 – Understand how youth work can support young people’s mental health and wellbeing
  • Unit 14 – Support young people who are not in education, employment or training or that have been excluded from school.

In 2025 we had 20 learners in Somerset and South Gloucestershire start the Level 2 and their journey to develop their career in Youth Work. And 14 took the next step and started the Level 3.

Five of those Level 3 learners, chose to have a study break between finishing their Level 2 in 2024, and continued on to the Level 3 in July 2025.

13 students have passed their Level 2 already. And then 4 of them were inspired enough to continue straight on to the Level 3.

The Level 3 2025 course is still continuing and we hope everyone will finish in January 2026. Ready for

How much does it cost?

Level 2 Award = £675

Level 3 Diploma = £1300

Course dates and times

We are currently planning the course options for 2026. The Level 2 course will start on 10 January 2026 in Patchway, South Gloucestershire and 17 January in Bridgwater, Somerset. It will then progress on to the Level 3 Diploma, for those who have completed their Level 2.

Learners will attend weekly sessions on Zoom on either Thursday 6-9pm, or Friday 9.30am – 12.30pm.  There will be 2 x face to face Saturday sessions in the Level 2, and an additional  2 x face to face Saturday sessions in the Level 3.   

Interested? To get a registration for or to get for further details, please email us: training@turtlecyp.co.uk