Register your interest in Step Up to Social Work career programme
Recruitment for an intensive and rewarding career programme called Step Up to Social Work opens later this month on 17 February. But those keen to start a career in the sector can register their interest today.
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.
Successful applicants will be provided a tax-free bursary* of £21,995, paid over the duration of the programme, to support them during their training.
Cllr Stephen Bennett, Chair of Wirral Council’s Children, Young People & Education Committee, said:
Social work is a career through which you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. 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.
If you think you’ve got what it takes to have a career in social work, step up and register your interest today. You could join the hundreds of other Wirral residents who have stepped up and are making a difference in our communities every day.
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 the tax-free bursary to all learners.
To register your interest before applications open, visit: Register | 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.
