The City of Wolverhampton Council is encouraging people to consider a new route into children's social work.

The new West Midlands Step Up to Social Work programme is a fast track training programme leading to a Masters in Social Work, meaning people could potentially start their career as a children's social worker within 14 months.

The course will be running from January 2020 to March 2021 and participants will receive a tax free bursary of over £19,000 towards living costs and any child care arrangements. In addition, all course fees are paid.

At the end of the course, successful candidates will be expected to practice with one of the organisations which are partnering with the programme - such as the City of Wolverhampton Council - for at least 2 years.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We are very pleased to be supporting the West Midlands Step Up to Social Work programme, which offers people a direct route into the world of children's social work.

"I would encourage any talented graduates who have ever thought about a career in children's social work to seriously consider applying for this fast track programme and, who knows, one day they may be working with children, young people and their families in Wolverhampton."

The application window will be open from 4 February to 18 March, 2019. Potential applicants need a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or a 2:2 honours degree plus a higher degree at level 7 or above, and at least 6 months' experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families. Candidates also require English and Maths GCSE qualifications at grade C or above, or equivalent.

For more information about the West Midlands Step Up to Social Work programme, please email the City of Wolverhampton Council's Principal Social Worker Louise Haughton via louise.haughton@wolverhampton.gov.uk.

  • released: Tuesday 11 December, 2018