Will Wirral residents ‘Step Up’ to social work? Applications now open
Recruitment for an intensive and fulfilling career programme called Step Up to Social Work opens 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.
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.
Cllr Stephen Bennett, Chair of Wirral Council’s Children, Young People & Education Committee, said:
People interested in this excellent programme will need to forge connections with families who are facing challenging and difficult times. Applicants will be resilient and use sound judgement to protect children and young people.
Social work is a rewarding career path, but it does have its challenges. I’d encourage any eligible residents who think they’ve got what it takes to apply. It could just be the best thing you ever do for yourself and for the families you could help.
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.
Recruitment for the programme is open from today (Friday 17 February 2023), with interview processes 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.
Click the link to apply here: 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.
