Resident shares her experience of rewarding Social Work programme
I loved it. I wish I could go back and do it all again.
That’s what one Wirral resident had to say about an intensive and rewarding career programme.
Natalie lives in Upton. She’s a single mum and in February 2023 she completed the Step Up to Social Work programme. 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.
Natalie now works as a fully qualified first year social worker in Wirral, supporting children and families to improve their lives.
During the programme, successful applicants 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.
Speaking of the course, Natalie said:
It was fast paced, but with lots of support. We went to lectures and did combined learning alongside practical placements. Being in placement, you could see what you were learning about in real time. It wasn’t just out of a book, it was right there in front of you.
Successful applicants are also provided a tax-free bursary* of £21,995, paid over the duration of the programme, to support them during their training. Natalie benefitted from the bursary, which enabled her to continue her education.
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.
Learners are supported throughout and beyond the course, by tutors and qualified social workers. Natalie says although she is qualified, she is still fully supported during her first year of employment.
She said:
In that first year, there’s still a lot to learn so your case load is lower while you find your feet. With social work, the work changes constantly, keeping up with technology, legislation, social policy and research on how we can support people even better.
Applications from a diverse range of candidates are encouraged as the programme aims to have a workforce that represents the society that they serve. As a single mum, Natalie said there are challenges working in a role like this. But they’re challenges worth overcoming.
Natalie said:
I will admit I found it hard at first, when I’d been into a visit, leaving a family and coming home to mine and seeing a stark contrast. It hits home why I’m doing this.
I want to make a difference to children and families. We all have struggles and I think anybody could need support at some point in their life.
People might have a certain view about the families we support, but working in social work, we get an insight into the reasons behind somebody’s problems, be that something from their childhood that’s affecting them now as a parent. And if you can change the course of that person’s life a little bit, you’re making a difference.
Those who successfully complete the 14-month course are awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, enabling them to apply to register and practice as a social worker.
Natalie said:
I was a level 4 family support worker at Wirral Council for nearly 10 years, so I was working alongside social workers already and it felt like the natural next step for me, but with family and childcare commitments it took me a while to actually take that step and apply. I eventually made the leap and it’s one of the best things I’ve ever done.
Step Up to Social Work is a rigorous programme. People who join the course need to be willing to learn, but it also takes a lot of emotional resilience.
Natalie thinks it’s also about self-discovery and drive. She said:
I think it takes someone who can reflect on how they are as a person and challenge their own viewpoints. I felt I went on my own journey in getting to know myself all over again when I was on the course.
It’s exciting and it’s a one-off opportunity that you just need to grab with two hands. I wish I could go back and do it all over again. Looking back, I thought I’d find it tough, and it was, but I felt really motivated – it was the best experience.
The next round of the Step Up to Social Work is now open in Wirral. There are specific criteria that applicants need to meet in order to apply. Applications are open until 24 March 2025.
- For more information and to check if you’re eligible, visit: Step up to social work - GOV.UK. [Please note, Wirral applicants are not required to have Maths GCSE entry requirement for the 2026 programme].
- To apply, visit: Learn Together Regional Partnership - Cohort 9 | Step Up to Social Work.
