Published on Thursday 09 March 2023
The Step Up To Social Work programme in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is encouraging aspiring social workers to apply for a place now.
Step Up To Social Work is a 14-month, full-time training programme designed for people who want to become a social worker but do not have a degree in social work.
The programme is backed by a £25m investment by the Department for Education to support 700 individuals to enter the social work profession in local authorities across England in 2024.
This funding will support individuals with training costs and a bursary of £19,833 over the duration of the programme to support them whilst in training.
It will enable talented graduates and career changers to become the next generation of family social workers supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.
Eligible candidates will be individuals with experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or adults, who can demonstrate emotional resilience and potential for success.
Successful applicants will train through a combination of academic study and hands on social work experience.
Step Up To Social Work aims to attract applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds in order to build a workforce fully representative of society in the BCP area.
The deadline for applications is Friday 24 March 2023.
To find out more, people can book on one of the upcoming Microsoft Teams video call information sessions on either Tuesday 14 March - 5.30 to 6.30pm or Wednesday 15 March - 1 to 2pm. To book email sutsw@bcpcouncil.gov.uk.
Minister for Children, Families and Wellbeing, Claire Coutinho said:
"I’ve been truly inspired by the social workers that I’ve met. The passion and support they provide for children and families is a real testament to the profession and it is what makes it such a rewarding career. To attract more great social workers we’re helping councils, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole, with recruitment and retention, along with better support for social workers with new early career development."
Cllr Mike White, Portfolio Holder for Children and Young People at BCP Council, added:
"The social work profession is highly challenging, but very rewarding and vital to the experience of many people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole. I am right behind the work Step Up is doing to help develop a highly skilled and diverse workforce that is ready to make a positive impact on our resident’s lives."
This will be the eighth cohort of Step Up since 2010, the programme has successfully supported over 2,300 social workers to enter the profession across England.