South Gloucestershire Council is encouraging graduates considering a career in children’s social work to get in contact to find out how they can make their career ambitions a reality through the ‘Step Up to Social Work’ programme.
Step Up to Social Work is a Government-funded training initiative, which enables anyone with a 2:1 degree (in a subject other than social work) to qualify as a social worker on a fast-track course.
Applications for the course can be submitted between 4 February and 18 March.
Launched in 2016/17 through a partnership of local authorities, the course involves a combination of academic learning and hands-on, practical experience. Successful trainees will be awarded a postgraduate diploma in social work once they complete the programme, allowing them to register and practise as a social worker.
We have recently recruited six individuals who have graduated through the initiative. One of the new joiners said: “I have always wanted to work with children and Step Up to Social Work provided me with the support I needed to make this career change possible.”
South Gloucestershire Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Jon Hunt, said: “We recognise the value that second career social workers can bring by introducing different skills and perspectives to our work and we’re already seeing this through the contributions made by a number of extremely talented social workers who have joined us through the Step Up to Social Work initiative.
“I’d encourage anyone considering children’s social work as a possible career choice to contact us to find out more.”
Considering children’s social work?
You can find out more about the course on the gov.uk website www.gov.uk/guidance/step-up-to-social-work-information-for-applicants
The application window opens today (4 February) and closes on 18 March 2019, with the programme running from Jan 2020 to March 2021. The recruitment phase will take place in June/July 2019.
If you’d like to discuss the practicalities of children’s social work and opportunities at South Gloucestershire Council, please email AdviceSUSW@southglos.gov.uk
