Introduction to Youth And Community Engagement

Course Information

Overview

Build the confidence, skills, and experience you need to work with people and make a positive difference in your community. This course introduces you to a range of careers that involve supporting, engaging, and empowering others.

Through practical learning and projects with CATCH and other local organisations, you’ll develop teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills valued across many sectors — from education and youth services to health, charities, and community development.

On completion, you’ll achieve an NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Occupational Studies.

This course is supported and developed by members of the Leeds Learning Alliance , helping you progress to further study, training, or employment.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for anyone who enjoys working with people and wants to make a positive difference in their community. Whether you’re interested in education, health and wellbeing, youth work, social care, or community projects, this course will help you build the confidence and skills to take your next step.

You’ll explore what it means to support and engage others, learn about the values that guide community work, and gain first-hand experience through activities with CATCH and other local organisations.

Course units/modules

Course content includes:

• Personal and Social Development
• Preparation for the Workplace
• Conflict Resolution and Relational Practice
• Safeguarding
• Understanding our Communities
• Animal Care
• Creative Crafts and Art
• Basic Food Preparation and Cooking
• Developing Customer Service Skills
• Health and Exercise
• GCSE Maths and English
• Work Experience / Work Placement

These subjects will help you build transferable skills for a wide range of careers from education, health, and public services to hospitality, animal care, and community work.

Benefits and skills

• Free travel pass for the duration of your course (subject to household income assessment)
• Meal vouchers and bursary support (subject to household income assessment)
• Access to careers advice, counselling, and other student support services to help you succeed
• Work Experience to support you in building a network of contacts to support your career development.

Entry requirements

• Two GCSEs at grade 1 or above, including English and maths.
• Ability to travel independently to CATCH and other local organisations.
• We ask applicants to provide a short reference from someone who knows them in an educational, volunteering, or community setting.

This could be a teacher, tutor, youth worker, sports coach, or mentor. The reference helps us understand the applicant’s enthusiasm, reliability, and potential for working with others.

Available apprenticeships and progression options

This course is the perfect stepping stone to further study and practical experience. We strive for all learners to move on to Level 2 courses throughout the college.

Those who excel throughout the course will be offered places on our Level 2 Preparation for Apprenticeship Programme.

Assessment types

How am I Assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods, including:

• Practical demonstrations
• Professional discussions
• Written tasks
• Peer assessments

If you are taking GCSEs, you will also sit exams in either November or May.