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Play therapist apprenticeships

Social care

Play therapist apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through

  • a university course


    • University

    You'll need to complete a postgraduate qualification approved by the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK. Relevant first degree subjects include: 

    • psychology 
    • early childhood studies 
    • mental health nursing 
    • occupational therapy 
    • drama, art or music 
    You'll also need experience of working with children in professions like teaching, nursing, counselling, therapy or social work. You'll usually need a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study.

    You'll need to register with the British Association of Play Therapists or Play Therapy UK. If you have an interest in play therapy and work in a profession like teaching, nursing, counselling or social work you may be able to take an introductory course to find out more.


    Play therapist apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • sensitivity and understanding 
    • excellent verbal communication skills
    • the ability to understand people’s reactions 
    • knowledge of psychology
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • the ability to work well with others
    • to be flexible and open to change 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to pass enhanced background checks, as you may be working with children and vulnerable adults

    Play therapist apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    In this role you could: 

    • assess a child's needs in consultation with parents, carers and other professionals 
    • run individual or group therapy sessions at a regular time and place 
    • use creative arts, like drawing, clay, sand, movement, music and therapeutic storytelling 
    • monitor children's progress 
    • promote positive change in the child by helping them to help themselves 
    • take part in regular supervision sessions with a more experienced therapist 
    • run workshops for parents and other professionals 
    • keep confidential record systems up to date and write reports
    Working environment
    You could work at a client's home, at a children's care home, at a health centre or at a school. Your working environment may be emotionally demanding.

    Career path and progression - Play therapist apprenticeships

    With experience and further training, you could supervise less experienced therapists. You might also provide a consultation service to professionals in the community. You could move into training, lecturing or clinical supervision.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

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