One week left to Step Up to Social Work
Eligible residents have one week left to apply for the 2026 Step Up to Social Work programme – with applications due to close on 24 March 2025.
Launched and funded by the Department for Education, the Step Up to Social Work programme is a unique opportunity for eligible people to receive support while training to start a new career in social work.
Wirral Council has led the regional partnership for the Step Up to Social Work programme for eight cohorts, successfully training more than 225 social workers.
Cllr Stephen Bennett, Chair of Wirral Council’s Children, Young People & Education Committee, said:
Hundreds of Wirral residents have completed this course over the last 14 years and our social care workforce is all the stronger for it.
If you’re a caring person, who is emotionally resilient or have ever been described as having a ‘good head on your shoulders’ – this course could be life changing for you.
Being a social worker is a rewarding career option, not without its trials. If you think you’ve got it in you to be a social worker, you have just one week left to apply to the 2026 programme.
During the programme, successful applicants will receive hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in local authorities within Cheshire and Merseyside, whilst undertaking their qualification.
Those who successfully complete the course will be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, enabling them to apply to register and practice as a social worker.
The Department for Education will cover the cost of university tuition on the programme and provide a tax-free bursary of £21,995, paid over the duration of the programme, to support learners during their training.
Upton resident Natalie completed the Step Up to Social Work programme in February 2023. She's now a fully qualified first year social worker in Wirral, supporting children and families to improve their lives.
Natalie said:
It was perfect for me as a single mum. I would never have been able to complete further education without the bursary, without a huge overdraft and loans. I wouldn’t have had the career progression and opportunities, or the positive changes for my family life, if it wasn’t for Step Up.
Recruitment for the programme is open until 24 March 2025. Interview processes are scheduled for June/July 2025, and a January 2026 programme start date.
Cllr Bennett said:
The programme runs once every two years and it is dependent on government funding. If you are interested, or know someone who might be, make sure you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity and apply now.
Applications are open until 24 March 2025. To apply, visit: Learn Together Regional Partnership - Cohort 9 | Step Up to Social Work.
Step Up to Social Work entry criteria
To apply to the programme, you’ll need to meet the following criteria at minimum:
- A 2:2 (level 6) degree qualification, for example an honours degree or a graduate certificate (this can be in any subject). Applications from final year students with a predicted grade of 2:2 or above will also be considered.
- GCSEs in English or English Language at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or an approved equivalent).
- Six months’ full-time (or equivalent) direct experience, either in a paid or voluntary capacity, of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families, carers or vulnerable adults.
Applicants will need to show all of their original certificates as part of the application and assessment process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online.
Applications from a diverse range of candidates are encouraged as the programme aims to have a workforce that represents the society that they serve.
For more information, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/step-up-to-social-work.
