Level 3 Blended Learning Course in Working with Gangs and Youth Violence

Embark on a transformative journey with our Level 3 Certificate in Working with Gangs and Youth Violence, the UK’s only accredited program of its kind, tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their expertise in serious youth violence, child criminal exploitation, and urban street gangs.

This course offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and tackling the complex dynamics of serious youth violence, equipping you with effective, actionable strategies for making a significant impact in your community. Crafted by leading experts including Dr. Sangeeta Soni from Birmingham City University, Craig Pinkney of SOLVE, Dr Martin Glynn and Youth Development Specialist Teswal White, merges academic research with practical field knowledge.

Addressing the Challenges Faced by Professionals in Youth Violence Prevention

Through extensive consultations with practitioners and professionals in youth violence prevention, we understand the frustrations caused by rising violence, increasing demands, limited resources, and lack of access to comprehensive training programs. Balancing ongoing education with demanding work schedules is a struggle, making it difficult to stay current with the latest knowledge and best practices.

Our accredited program addresses these challenges directly by providing a recognised qualification that significantly enhances your career prospects. With a combination of online and in-person classes, we offer a flexible and dynamic learning experience that fits into your busy schedule. Our experienced facilitators provide practical insights and expertise that you can immediately apply to your work. The comprehensive modules ensure you gain a deep understanding of the issues, empowering you to make a significant and lasting impact in your community.

Increase Your understanding :

  • The Root Causes: Analyse the underlying factors that contribute to serious youth violence, urban street gangs, and child criminal exploitation.
  • Theoretical Foundations: Gain knowledge of the core theories and models that underpin effective practices in managing youth violence.
  • Safety Techniques: Learn techniques for safely and effectively engaging with young people in high-risk environments.
  • Impact of Trauma: Explore the effects of trauma and mental health issues on individuals involved in serious youth violence.
  • Social and Psychological Dynamics: Acquire insights into the social and psychological dynamics that drive youth violence.
  • Institutional Roles and Strategies: Understand the roles and strategies of government, criminal justice, and community organisations in addressing serious youth violence.
  • Support and Disengagement Strategies: Master strategies for supporting young people to disengage from violence, urban street gangs, and criminal activity.
  • Exit Strategy Development: Learn how to develop and implement various exit strategy models to support young people’s desistance from crime.
  • Community and Family Engagement: Develop skills to effectively engage and support young people, families, and communities to foster positive change.

 

Our course is accredited through AIM Assessment and Accreditation and are part of the regulated qualification framework.

AIM logo

Our courses will help you to improve:

Professional Development 

Your ongoing professional development, including any training or continued education you have received in relation to improving your practice with young people, families, and communities.

Experiences

Your own experiences, whether that is your own lived experience or your previous experiences of working with young people affected by these issues and how this may influence your practice.

Attributes

Your attributes and personal qualities, such as empathy, cultural sensitivity, and resilience, and how they impact their ability to work with young people affected by serious youth violence.

Knowledge

Your understanding of the causes and consequences of serious youth violence, as well as the various theories interventions and approaches that have been developed to address it.

Skills

Your skills & abilities in working with young people affected by serious youth violence, such as communication, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution & crisis management.

Who Is This Course Suitable For?

This Level 3 Certificate is designed as a professional development aimed at individuals eager to gain a qualification in working with serious youth violence. It is ideal for:

  • Diverse Practitioners: This course prepares you for strategic, management, or frontline roles in various sectors, whether you’re currently working with young people or seeking a career change.
  • Inclusive Learning Environment: Suitable for a wide range of applicants, including those with no prior knowledge or experience in youth violence.
  • Individuals with Lived Experience: We welcome those with personal experiences of youth violence who want to use that understanding to support affected youth.
  • Experienced Professionals: Ideal for seasoned practitioners looking to formalise their expertise with a recognised qualification.
  • Educational Prerequisites: A Level 2 qualification is beneficial but not mandatory for enrollment.

There are limited places on our blended learning course, which runs once a year. All interested candidates must undergo an interview to assess their suitability for the program. If you’re ready to make a significant impact, click the ‘Apply Now’ button to express your interest and learn more about our next course.

 

Features of Our Blended Learning Courses:

  • Online Classes & Occasional In-Person Classes: Enjoy a mix of digital and physical classroom experiences.
  • Direct Access to Experts: Learn directly from our specialist lecturers and facilitators.
  • Small Class Sizes: Benefit from a personalised learning environment alongside other learners.
  • Dynamic Learning Materials: Utilise our virtual learning portal to gain instant access to webinars, videos, articles, and more.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Earn a 28-credit Certificate qualification.
  • Practical Experience: 90% are online and 10% of our sessions are conducted in person, providing valuable real-world interactions and networking opportunities.
  • Duration: The 30-week program 

Become a pivotal force in preventing youth violence:

  • Qualified Practitioner: This accredited program provides a recognised qualification, enhancing your career prospects.
  • Flexible & Dynamic Learning Experience: The combination of online and in-person classes offers an accelerated and dynamic learning experience.
  • Practical Insights: Learning from experienced facilitators gives you practical insights and expertise that can be directly applied to your work.
  • Make a Significant Impact: Our comprehensive modules ensure you gain a deep understanding of the issues, enabling you to make a significant impact in your community.

Apply to Join our Next Course

The blended learning certificate is ideal for professionals seeking to deepen their understanding and develop the skills needed to effectively address serious youth violence. Learn practical solutions and earn a recognised qualification to enhance your expertise and career prospects.

Accelerated: This streamlined option is designed for rapid qualification, allowing you to complete all 8 modules in 30 sessions and earn your Level 3 Certificate in Working with Gangs and Serious Youth Violence. It offers great value and flexible payment terms, making it an ideal choice for those looking to quickly advance their expertise.

Places are limited and so applications are selected based on merit, chemistry and timing, one in every five people we interview is accepted onto our annual course.

Commitment: 7 hrs weekly (3 hours online and 4 hours self study) via our virtual portal, Sessions typically take place between 4pm – 7pm on Wednesdays. 30 Sessions / 28 Credits / 8 Units (see below) 

Cost £2495*
Early Bird: £1995.00 (Autumn 2025)

Prices Fluctuate: Please note that we offer special prices, which may fluctuate due to special offers and promotions. Express your interest to find out more and current offers.

Unit Overview

Click on the module titles to reveal more details and deepen your understanding of each unit’s focus and outcomes.

2 Credits
Explore the root causes of youth marginalisation and its direct impact on community and individual levels.

4 Credits
Address the mental health challenges faced by youths involved in violence, understanding approaches for support and intervention.

5 credits
Analyse the role of media, social, and economic factors in the formation and perpetuation of gang cultures and youth violence.

3 credits
Develop critical communication skills necessary for engaging effectively with young people in challenging settings, enhancing emotional intelligence and relationship-building techniques.

3 Credits
Learn best practices for maintaining safety when working in environments affected by youth violence and gangs.

5 Credits
Apply social psychological theories to better understand group behaviours and individual interactions within gangs.

4 Credits
Navigate the complexities of national and local policies that influence strategies for intervention and support.

Credits 2
Equip yourself with effective methodologies for assisting young individuals in moving away from gang affiliations and exploitation towards positive societal contributions

Each module is designed to not only provide theoretical knowledge but also practical applications, preparing participants for effective engagement and intervention in real-world scenarios.

Success Stories

What our Previous students have had to say about the course

Laura Brown

“Laura Brown has seen significant professional growth since completing our course. It has not only broadened my knowledge base but also boosted my confidence, empowering me to provide expert advice to my colleagues and effectively improve outcomes for the young people we serve. I particularly appreciated the diverse backgrounds of the teachers and speakers, which enriched my learning experience, providing me with a variety of perspectives and approaches”.

“My colleagues now see me as an expert in this area, and frequently come to me for advice.”

“Michelle Kelly’s personal experience with knife crime fueled her dedication to aiding others and uplifting her community. I found great value in our course’s diverse teaching perspectives, particularly appreciating the inclusion of speakers with lived experiences. I initially had concerns about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on my learning experience, but I was impressed with how well the course adapted.”

 

 

Rachel Warren

“Rachel Warren brings her unique perspective as a teacher and knife crime campaigner to her testimonial. Contrary to common assumptions, professionals in education, youth work, and social work often need more specific training on issues like youth violence and knife crime. I appreciated the depth of the course,  it provided vital information that went beyond the basic expectations of my role.

Not only interesting, educational, and informative; I found it really enjoyable!’ 

 

Organisations that have undertaken our courses:

FAQs

Our Blended Learning Course seamlessly combines digital and face-to-face instruction to provide a modern, dynamic educational experience. You’ll engage with course materials online, allowing you to participate in live classes with other students in small, interactive groups. Additionally, the program includes some optional face-to-face sessions conducted by expert facilitators and seasoned industry professionals, all culminating in the award of a nationally recognised RQF Level 3 Qualification.

Participation in all scheduled core sessions is essential, and you will be expected to complete assignments and assessments both during and outside of these sessions, utilising our comprehensive virtual learning platform in this part-time and accelerated program.

Throughout the course, you will develop a comprehensive portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your learning and skills. This portfolio will include written statements or ‘Reflective Accounts,’ supported by work products you have created during the program. Your progress will be continuously evaluated through various forms of assessment to ensure a thorough understanding and application of the course material. These assessments include:

  • Assignments: Tasks designed to apply theoretical knowledge to practical situations.
  • Workbooks: Exercises that reinforce daily learning and comprehension.
  • Quizzes: Short tests to review and consolidate key concepts from the coursework.
  • Presentations: Opportunities to articulate your knowledge and approach to problem-solving in front of peers and instructors.
  • Scenario-Based Reports: Detailed analyses of hypothetical situations to demonstrate strategic thinking and practical application.
  • Self-Reflective Work: Reflections on your learning process, challenges, and growth to foster personal and professional development.
  • Guidance Packs: Compiled resources and guidelines that support your coursework and assessments.

This structured approach ensures that you not only learn the material but are also able to implement your knowledge effectively in real-world scenarios.

We understand the importance of flexibility when it comes to financing your education. That’s why we offer a variety of payment plans that allow you to spread the cost over monthly instalments, subject to specific terms and conditions. Details of these payment options will be provided during your interview process, ensuring you find the plan that best suits your financial needs.

For organisations interested in enrolling multiple team members, please contact us directly. We offer discounts for bulk purchases of more than 5 places. Payment via all major credit and debit cards and Invoicing available.

For additional information or to speak directly with our training coordination team, please call us at 0121 356 1944 or email us at training@syvn.org.uk We are here to help guide you through the application process and answer any questions you might have.

Our Level 3 Certificate in Working with Gangs and Youth Violence has been instrumental for a wide range of professionals committed to making a difference in their communities. Attendees from various sectors have enriched their skills and expanded their impact, including:

  • Youth Workers & Mentors: Building stronger relationships and interventions with at-risk Young people.
  • Probation Officers & Youth Offending Workers: Enhancing rehabilitation and prevention strategies.
  • Social Workers & Mental Health Workers: Developing deeper understanding and better support mechanisms.
  • Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) & Probation Officers: Gaining insights into community-based prevention and support.
  • Educators (Heads & Deputy Heads, Teachers, Pastoral Managers): Integrating violence prevention into educational environments.
  • Strategic Leads & Exploitation Prevention Officers: Shaping and implementing policy and initiatives at organisational and community levels.
  • Sporting Industry Professionals: Using sports as a medium for engagement and violence prevention.
  • Victim Support Workers & Families of Victims: Providing informed support and advocacy.
  • Religious Leaders: Engaging community initiatives and support groups.
  • Prison Officers & Educational Workers in Correctional Facilities: Applying intervention strategies within the correctional system.
  • Ex-offenders & Individuals with Lived Experience: Contributing valuable perspectives to prevention strategies and mentorship.

These professionals have not only enhanced their individual capabilities but also contributed to a broader societal impact through their improved understanding and skills in managing youth violence and gang involvement.

Level 3 Certificate in Working with Gangs and Youth Violence
Qualification Number: 601/8714/1

Our Level 3 qualifications are accredited by AIM Qualifications and Assessment Group formerly known as OCN West Midlands and is officially registered under the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). The RQF is responsible for ensuring the qualification meets the high standards set by Ofqual, the qualifications regulator in England. This framework provides a clear and structured way to recognise and compare the levels of various qualifications.

Key Features of the Certificate:

  • Credits: The qualification carries a total of 28 credits, which are equivalent to 24 UCAS points, adding substantial value to your higher education applications or professional progression.

For more detailed information about the accreditation and its significance, click the button below to visit the accrediting body’s official site.

AIM Qualification

Enhancing Career Prospects with a Premier Qualification

Our Level 3 Certificate in Working with Gangs and Youth Violence is rapidly gaining recognition as the leading course in the sector, renowned for setting the highest standards of quality, knowledge, and expertise. This esteemed qualification not only boosts career opportunities within youth and community services but also establishes our graduates as specialists with a deep understanding and effective strategies for combating youth violence. As this program continues to shape industry standards, those who hold this certification are increasingly seen as pivotal figures in shaping progressive, effective approaches within their fields. This credential is your gateway to becoming a recognised leader and innovator in addressing some of the most pressing social challenges today

Higher Education:

For those seeking to expand their knowledge and skills in youth, community, families, and social work, higher education can provide a valuable opportunity. Many Level 3 graduates from our program have pursued further education in these fields, often by enrolling in a bachelor’s or master’s degree program. This can lead to increased career opportunities and earning potential, as well as personal growth and fulfilment.