Children and Youth Apprentice (multiple vacancies)

Location: Dependent on Parish placement
Contract: 3-year fixed term, part-time (21 hours per week)
Training Provider: Ridley London, the London training centre of Ridley Hall Cambridge. 

Do you have a passion for working with children and young people? Do you want to gain hands-on experience in youth and children’s ministry while receiving high-quality training? 

As an apprentice, you will work within a parish to develop and strengthen its children and youth ministry while studying with Ridley London. This three-year apprenticeship leads to a Certificate in Higher Education (Level 4) in Foundations in Theology, Ministry and Mission, with a focus on youth and children’s work. 

You’ll be employed for 21 hours per week, spending 16 hours in the parish and 5 hours studying. Applicants must apply with a linked parish.  

What You’ll Be Doing: 

• Engaging with children and young people, building positive relationships and supporting their faith journey.
• Helping to lead activities such as Sunday school, messy church, youth groups, and holiday clubs.
• Creating and delivering new initiatives to deepen young people’s involvement in the church.
• Developing outreach work with local schools and community groups.
• Leading discipleship courses for young people.
• Assisting with administration related to children’s and youth work.
• Attending regular team meetings, supervision sessions, and training as part of the apprenticeship.

Who We’re Looking For: 

• Experience in youth and children’s work (voluntary or paid) or community learning and development.
• GCSE/NVQ Level 2 qualifications, or a commitment to achieving these within the first year.
• A willingness to commit to a three-year apprenticeship, combining study, training, and hands-on experience.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage and inspire young people.
• Self-motivated and enthusiastic, able to work both independently and as part of a team.
• A commitment to safeguarding and creating a safe environment for children and young people.
• A Christian faith and alignment with the mission and values of the Church of England.

About The London Diocesan Fund LDF) and the Diocese of London 

The Diocese of London is the group of Church of England organisations located in London, north of the River Thames. It is overseen by the Bishop of London and is made up of parishes, schools, chaplaincies, missional communities, and other organisations across 18 Boroughs. 

The London Diocesan Fund (LDF) is the main charity that supports the work of the Diocese as a whole by generating income, providing a wide range of services, and paying and housing its clergy. 

Safeguarding Statement

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. 

Additional Information: 

• This role has an occupational requirement for the postholder to be a Christian, under Part 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
• All appointments are subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS Check.

• The location of the role depends on the Parish placement.

Why Apply? 

This is a fantastic opportunity to:
✔ Gain hands-on ministry experience in a local church.
✔ Develop skills in youth and children’s work while being mentored and supported.
✔ Earn a Higher Education Certificate in Theology, Ministry, and Mission.
✔ Be part of a supportive community of apprentices growing in faith and ministry. 

If you’re excited about working with young people and exploring a future in ministry, we’d love to hear from you! 

For more details, please see the full Job Description.