Do you have what it takes to ‘Step Up’ to social work?
Social work is both a challenging and rewarding career through which you can make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable children and families. You will need to build relationships with families facing difficult times, show a lot of patience and be a good listener. You will also need good observational skills, analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children. Social work regularly tests resilience, stamina, and resolve - all of which you will need to succeed. Social work can be life changing for those you support.
The Step Up to Social Work programme is a unique opportunity to receive support while you are training to start a new career in social work. On this 14-month training programme, you will receive hands-on experience of working in a real-life social work role through placements in a local authority whilst undertaking your qualification. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work enabling you to apply to register and practice as a social worker.
Funding
The Department for Education covers the cost of your university tuition on the programme and provides a tax-free bursary of £21,995 paid over the duration of the programme to support you during your training.
Applications for the programme will open on 17 February 2025, with assessment centres scheduled for the first week in July, and a January 2026 programme start date.
Entry Criteria
To apply to the programme, you’ll need to have a minimum of:
- a 2:2 degree qualification (level 6) or predicted 2:2 degree qualification
- 6 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
- GCSEs in English or English language at grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)
Central Eastern Regional Partnership (CERP)
We are made up of Hertfordshire County Council, Luton Borough Council and Bedford Borough Council. We all work very closely with the University of Bedfordshire to offer a unique and broad way of learning. We are excited to welcome a diverse range of applications, and look forward to supporting you through your Social Work journey.
For more information about CERP and the Step Up to Social Work Programme, email us at SUSW@hertfordshire.gov.uk or check out Step up to social work - GOV.UK
You can also book onto an information session:
We look forward to hearing from you and supporting you on your journey into Social Work!