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.

Parish Requirement
Applicants must apply with a linked parish in Diocese of London. Interested applicants should first speak with their local parish clergy within the London Diocese to confirm their eligibility. We cannot accept applications without 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

• Right to work in the UK

About the Diocese of London and the LDF
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.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
The Diocese of London is committed to creating and sustaining a diverse and inclusive workforce which represents our context and wider community.

We are aware that those of Global Majority Heritage/United Kingdom Minority Ethnic (GMH/UKME), women, and disabled people are currently under-represented among our clergy and workforce, and we particularly encourage applicants from those with the relevant experience that will increase this representation.

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.