'Step Up' to Social Work in Wiltshire

The council has five students due to qualify in March 2021 after successfully completing a 14 month programme that gives participants hands-on training to become the next generation of qualified child and family social workers

It is part of the UK Government's Plan for Jobs and Wiltshire Council is part of the South West Regional Step Up to Social Work Partnership with Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and Dorset Councils. 

Working together the partnership provides a comprehensive induction, positive placements and lots of learning opportunities. Participants receive intensive, hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in a local authority. Once they have successfully completed the course, participants are awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling them to register and practice as a social worker.

Cath and Claire are two of the participants who took part in the latest programme for Wiltshire Council.

Cath said: "Becoming a social worker was a natural progression for me. I have worked with children and families in different capacities for a long time, and I felt it was time to take the next step towards a role where I can use all the skills I have learned and developed over the years.

"The highlights were meeting other student colleagues, not only from Wiltshire, but from other authorities nearby, and learning from them.  Being part of the small group of Wiltshire based students on the course was good as we all supported each other. Learning from the people in the teams I was placed in was also invaluable

"The 'Step Up' course is intensive and hard work but has provided me with the experiences and confidence necessary to start my new role. Be prepared to learn more about yourself as well as what you need to become a social worker, and although it is challenging, the end result makes it worthwhile."

Claire added: "You are part of the team straight away. Both of my placements have been incredibly welcoming, they want you to do well and believe in you.

"If you feel it's right for you then go for it! 'Step Up' respects your professional background and helps you transfer your skills so that you can start a new and exciting career."

Wiltshire Council is now opening a further recruitment round and seeking graduates and people looking to change career to participate in Step Up to Social Work programme until the closing date of 7 April.

Cllr Laura Mayes, Cabinet Member for Children, Education and Skills, said, "Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career which can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. This is an opportunity for those who have proven experience of working and supporting families and children to become a fully qualified social worker funded here in Wiltshire.

"We are particularly interested in applications from men and from BAME candidates, as these groups are under-represented in this area of social work. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so I would urge anyone interested, to make sure they don't miss out on the opportunity to apply."

Participants will earn while they learn, as the Department for Education provides a tax-free bursary payment of £19,833, over the duration of the programme, and payment of University fees for successful applicants. 

This allows participants to change or start a new career in social work and still be able to continue to pay their bills and fund their living costs while studying.

For more information about the programme and to register your interest in one of the following online information session email sutsw@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

Step Up To Social Work online briefing session are taking place on:

3 March at 2:30pm

4 March at 4pm

9 March at 4pm

10 March at 4pm

17 March at 9am

29 March at 12:30pm

Visit our website to take

For more information visit: Step Up to Social Work: information for applicants