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Grounded

Youth Ministers rooted in faith, equipped for leadership

Be Grounded

Grounded is a two-year apprenticeship for youth ministers. Be rooted in faith. Be equipped for leadership. Be grounded!

Find Out More
  • Fully funded for Youth Workers currently employed by the Church of England for at least 25 hours a week. If you can’t meet the criteria but are still interested, please contact our Course Lead to discuss.
  • A two-year apprenticeship from Church Army with the Church of England.
  • Professional and spiritual development while you continue to do the job you love. Learn while you earn.
  • Achieve recognised qualifications: Level 3 Youth Support Worker Apprenticeship; JNC-recognised youth work qualification; Church Army Ministerial Formation qualification.
  • Open to anyone of any age working with young people, whatever your existing qualifications.
  • Flexible study suitable for different learning styles.

STARTING JANUARY 2027

Cohort 1 starts in January 2027. Spaces are limited, don’t miss out.

investing in leaders

Highly skilled, passionate youth ministers who are rooted in the gospel are crucial to the wellbeing of our children and young people, as well as our churches and wider communities. Grounded exists to invest in them. To equip them to grow in their calling, learn practical skills for youth work and wider church leadership, and gain recognised qualifications.

Register Interest

How it works:

  • Sign up today to join Cohort 1 in January 2027.
  • Study alongside your job. 
  • Learning is online, supported and completely flexible.
  • As well as online learning, there will be two in-person residentials, one per year.

what does grounded cover?

Delivered in partnership with UCAN, the Grounded programme covers both professional youth work competence and Christian ministry formation.

Professional Development

Through the Level 3 Youth Support Worker Apprenticeship, you gain:

  • Youth work practice skills
  • Safeguarding knowledge
  • Communication skills
  • Leadership capability
  • Community engagement experience
  • Reflective practice skills
Spiritual development

Through Church Army’s ‘The Journey’ programme, you’ll explore:

  • Identity and discipleship
  • Leadership and character
  • Calling and vocation
  • Relationships
  • Resilience
  • Theological reflection
  • Spiritual practices

Contact grounded@churcharmy.org if you have any questions, or see below to register your interest for January 2027.

How to Apply:

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Before applying, please check that you meet the basic requirements for both Grounded and the Level 3 Apprenticeship.

You should:

  • Be in full-time paid employment of at least 25 hours per week, in a role that enables you to support young people.
  • Have the support of your church or employing organisation.
  • Have the right to work in England.
  • Spend at least 50% of your working hours in England.
  • Be able to commit to the learning, ministry and formation requirements of the programme.
  • Not be enrolled on another apprenticeship.
  • Be willing to participate fully in mentoring, training, reflection and ministry practice.

If you are unsure whether you meet the requirements, please contact us and we would be happy to discuss your circumstances.

Step 2: Express Your Interest

Use the form below to register your interest in Grounded. We’ll be in touch soon afterwards to discuss your next steps.

Step 3: Discovery Conversation

The Discovery Conversation is an opportunity for us to get to know one another.

This is an interview which replaces a formal written application. The purpose is to hear your story, explore your faith journey, learn about your experience with children and young people, and help you discern whether Grounded might be the right next step. Together we will explore:

  • Your story and experiences
  • Your faith journey
  • Your work with children and young people
  • Your hopes and aspirations
  • Questions of calling, vocation and ministry
  • Your readiness for apprenticeship learning and ministerial formation
Step 4: Enrolment Form and Final Checks

If, following the Discovery Conversation, we believe that Grounded could be a good next step for you, we will invite you to complete our Enrolment Form.

This enables us to gather the information required to confirm your place on the programme and complete the necessary apprenticeship, safeguarding and compliance checks.

We will also contact referees and undertake any final eligibility checks during this stage.

Step 5: Offer and Enrolment

Successful applicants will receive an offer to join Grounded. Once your place is confirmed, we will support you through onboarding and welcome you into the next Grounded cohort.

Live the Story. Gather the Story. Reveal the Story.

Register Your Interest

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Section 1: About You

      • Section 2: Church and Ministry Context

      How many hours per week are you involved in work with children and/or young people?*

        • Section 3: Apprenticeship Eligibility

        To undertake the apprenticeship element of Grounded, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements.
        Do you have the right to work in the UK?*
        Do you currently spend, or expect to spend, at least 50% of your working hours in England?*
        Are you currently enrolled on another apprenticeship programme?*
        Does your church leadership support you exploring participation in Grounded?*

          • Section 4: Declaration and Consent

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            • Please read the Church Army Privacy Notice
            Consent*