Community learning and development officers work with local people and community groups to improve skills, knowledge and confidence. They organise learning and training opportunities, support community projects, and help communities access the resources they need.

The Work

You could be:

• telling people about learning opportunities in their community
• setting up and running community learning activities
• working with young people, parent and child groups, tenants' associations and adult learning groups
• finding out about people's learning needs and helping to organise suitable courses, activities or meetings
• supporting disadvantaged groups to improve their opportunities
• running projects in areas such as adult learning, literacy and numeracy, outdoor education, community arts, health education and drugs awareness
• helping communities plan and develop local projects
• raising funds and applying for grants for community projects
• networking with other organisations, managing budgets and carrying out administrative duties.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Salaries for community learning and development officers in Scotland tend to be in the range of £30,000 to £40,000 a year. With experience and additional responsibilities, earnings can rise to £45,000 a year or more. Salaries may be higher in senior, project management or service management roles.

Conditions

• You would usually be based in a community centre, school or other local community venue.
• You may do outreach work to meet disadvantaged groups and support community projects in the local area.
• Your working hours are likely to be flexible and may include evenings and weekends.
• Part time and flexible working opportunities may be available.
• Some posts are linked to fixed-term projects and may last from a few months to several years, depending on available funding.

Useful Subjects

• Business Management
• Childcare and Development
• Gaelic (Learners)
• Gàidhlig
• Gaidhlig / Gaelic
• Modern Studies
• Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies
• Sociology

Getting In

You can enter by several routes.

• Entry to community learning and development courses can be competitive.
• You could enter by doing the Modern Apprenticeship in Community Development at SCQF Levels 5 and 6.
• You can take a BA Hons degree (SCQF Level 10) in Community Education at the University of Dundee and University of the West of Scotland. You usually need 4 Highers to get in.
• It is also possible to enter with the HNC (SCQF Level 7) in Working with Communities and suitable experience. Check with the college for entry requirements, as they can vary.
• You could go on to do a relevant postgraduate qualification (SCQF Level 11). You may be able to study part time while you are working.
• It is helpful to have relevant experience. This can be paid or voluntary.
• A driving licence is useful and sometimes essential.
• You will require a satisfactory criminal record check from Disclosure Scotland to show that you are suitable for this type of work. Contact Disclosure Scotland for details on the type you would need.

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2026

7085

1.2 %

RISE

2031

7169

  United Kingdom

2026

75279

2 %

RISE

2031

76813

LMI data powered by Lightcast

What Does it Take?

You should have:

• good communication skills and be able to talk to people of all ages and backgrounds
• a confident and assertive nature
• the ability to lead and work well with groups
• good networking skills to build relationships with individuals, groups and organisations
• a positive attitude and a sense of humour.

You should be:

• open-minded and non-judgemental
• self-motivated and enthusiastic
• able to identify and assess the learning needs of individuals and community groups
• able to use your initiative and take responsibility
• well organised and able to manage a range of projects
• able to work under pressure
• committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Training

• Training is mainly on the job, supported by short courses and continuing professional development (CPD) activities.
• If you do a Modern Apprenticeship, you would work towards the SVQ in Community Development at SCQF Levels 5 and 6.
• YouthLink Scotland provides information on professional development courses for people working with young people.
• You may have opportunities to take further qualifications in community learning and development, youth work, adult learning or community development while you are working.

Getting On

• You may choose to specialise in an area such as youth work, adult learning or community development.
• You could work for a local authority, charity or voluntary organisation.
• With experience, you may be able to become a team leader or project leader.
• If you work for a local authority, you may be able to progress to a management role, planning and organising community learning and development services.
• You may move into senior management positions with responsibility for wider services and programmes.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.