Step Up to Social Work

Step Up to Social Work

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 the 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.

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.  

Recruitment for the programme will open on 17 February 2025, with assessment centres scheduled for June/July 2025, and a January 2026 programme start date. The programme runs once every two years, dependent on government funding, so if you are interested, make sure you don’t miss out on your chance to apply.

Step Up to Social Work entry criteria

We are looking for dedicated individuals who have experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or vulnerable adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates and aim to have a workforce that represents the society that we serve.

To apply to the programme, you’ll need to have:

  • A minimum 2:2 degree qualification (level 6)
  • 6 months full-time (or equivalent) direct experience of working with vulnerable children, young people and/or families, carers or vulnerable adults in a paid or voluntary capacity
  • A GCSE in English or English Language at grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)
  • A GCSE in Mathematics at Grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)

Details of specific Local Authority eligibility criteria can be found here from 17 February 2025.

On successful completion of the programme, you would be expected to practice within the Trust as a children’s social worker for at least two years to gain your full statutory experience.

Sophie Gilbert, our Trust Practice Academy Head of Service, said: We are thrilled to be supporting and working in partnership with the West Midlands Step Up programme again. This is a fantastic opportunity to really improve the lives of our local children and their families by working with our dedicated professionals. The Step Up programme uses a hands-on approach together with academic learning to really prepare students for working with children and families; and here in the Academy we are really excited to be part of that journey.”

Sirah Ali, our Trust Practice Academy Manager, said: The Step Up to Social Work programme is an excellent opportunity for those wanting a to pursue a career in social work and Birmingham Children's Trust is the right place to help you achieve your goals and learn all about good social work practice.

What do our staff have to say about their Step Up to Social Work experience?

Tasleem Akhtar said: ‘’The Step Up programme has been a fantastic course to be on as it has served to amplify my confidence and self-awareness, both attributes which are essential to the role. I have had the opportunity to really dig deep in terms of who I am, and how as a professional we are required to balance our sense of self with the needs, wishes and feelings of others. The course, as well as the placements, have given me the necessary skills to ensure that I continue my journey onwards, ensuring that my practice is imbued with the ability to be non-judgemental, and work in an anti-oppressive manner."

Leanne Harper said: “The programme, for me, has been life changing. It’s intense, fast paced and challenging, however the support throughout has been excellent. I would recommend the programme to anyone considering a career in this field. It’s very well managed and gives a realistic insight into the world of social work.”

Jonathan said: “I came into Step Up as I wanted to make a career change and the fourteen-month nature of the course and the bursary made it possible for me as an older student, with family and financial commitments, to start my journey into social work. The pace has been rapid throughout, and the learning and experience have been challenging and engaging. It has never been boring! For anyone wanting to change directions and to enter the world of social work, I couldn’t recommend the course highly enough.”

How do I find out more?

  • Register your interest with Michelle.Jones@Stoke.gov.uk
  • Applications will open 17 February 2025 – with the closing date is yet to be confirmed

Please note these are approximate dates and the organiser may decide to close applications earlier if the numbers exceed capacity.