Apprenticeship

You could start by doing a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship as a: Youth Support Worker, Cultural Learning or Participation Officer or a Learning and Development Practitioner. Follow the links to see the potential next steps after these apprenticeships.

Another option could be to look into taking an Inclusion Apprenticeship. Check out the progression pathways maps for a Diversity and Inclusion Officer.

OR you could look at apprenticeships related to charity work, such as fundraiser advanced apprenticeship. View progression pathways for fundraiser apprenticeships here.

College

There are a number of college courses which might be useful when applying for a trainee job. For example:
Level 2 Diploma in Teamwork and Personal Development in the Community and Level 4 Higher National Certificate in Social and Community Work.

You could also consider Environmental courses.

Job options

You could apply directly for community education co-ordinator jobs, but you’ll need paid or voluntary experience of working in the community such as in: adult education, teaching or youth work.

You’ll also find it helpful to have experience of working with disadvantaged or vulnerable groups. Find your local council to get more details about working in your community or learn about working in community education through Locality. You can find volunteer opportunities on Do It, My Community and The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO).

Or You could start out in the voluntary sector as a charity fundraiser or administrator and work your way up into management after getting experience and training.

University

You could do a foundation degree or degree in a subject like: education, sociology or youth work and community development.

Or learn the general management skills needed for this type of job by doing a business management foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree.

Another option is to do a degree in the subject area you want to do charity work in, aka sustainability, and work your way up into management and director roles.