Community education coordinator

community educator
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Education and training
Care

Career outlook for community education coordinator

UK Salary Ranges

Entry-level

£23,000

Experienced

£32,000


Currently employed in Scotland

8,900

Salary information is provided by the "National Careers Service". "Oxford Economics" supplies job forecasts and employment figures. Due to COVID-19 the jobs market is constantly changing. Some of the information may not reflect the current situation.

What's it like?

You would open up learning to people who missed out at school by organising new opportunities for education. You’d support people to take part whatever their circumstances.

You’d work in areas where there are high levels of unemployment or poverty. You’d use your knowledge of the education and qualifications system to organise courses for learning, training and recreation that meet the needs of the community.

You’d help people find ways to overcome issues that might stop them from taking part in learning including lack of money, time and confidence in their abilities.

You would:

  • Work with community groups to find out their needs and interests
  • Plan how to meet those needs and interests
  • Encourage trainers and educators to develop new courses
  • Arrange places and times for courses in local schools, colleges and community centres
  • Recruit tutors
  • Train volunteers
  • Publicise the courses and opportunities
  • Motivate people to take part

You might work with a particular group such as families, ethnic minorities or young people. Or you might promote activities in a particular place, such as a museum or theatre.

There would be local and national targets for helping people learn new skills and expand their knowledge, which you’d need to meet. You’d also do some administration.

At a senior level you’d also manage the budget and write up applications for more funding.

Working conditions

Hours

You can work 35 to 40 hours a week full-time, usually including evenings and/or weekends. Hours are sometimes flexible, and part-time hours are often available. Short-term contracts, lasting up to two years, are common.

Environment

You’ll usually be based in an office in a school, college or local centre where courses are held.

Travel

As you’ll need to travel locally to visit classes and attend meetings, you’ll usually need a driving licence and car.

UK employment status

Full-time

52%

Part-time

42%

Self employed

6%

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  • Positive attitude
  • Building relationships
  • Supporting
  • Verbal communication
  • Social conscience
  • Developing a plan
  • Coaching
  • Mentoring
  • Motivating others

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Entry requirements for courses can change. Always contact the college, university or training provider to check exactly what you'll need.

Foundation Apprenticeships

Choosing a Foundation Apprenticeship as one of your subjects in S5 and S6 can help you get a head start with this type of job.

You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification (the same level as a Higher) plus valuable work placement experience and skills you can't learn in a classroom.

Interested? Find out what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.

Qualifications

You would need a degree (SCQF level 9/10) in community education or development. It's also possible to get into this role with an HNC/HND (SCQF Level 7) and experience in community work. 

Entry to a degree in youth or community education/development (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires a minimum of three Highers including English.

Entry to a Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) requires National 5 qualifications and one to two Highers or a relevant National Certificate (NC).

Useful subjects

  • English
  • Maths
  • Social studies such as psychology, care or childcare and development.

You will also need

To pass a Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Disclosure check for most jobs.

Helpful to have

Qualifications and experience that demonstrate community involvement and experience in supporting learning, such as the SQA Volunteering Skills Award (SCQF level 3-5).