Step Up to Social Work
'Step Up to Social Work' is a fast-track programme offering a rewarding career in social work.
About the programme
This intensive, 14-month, full-time programme is for those who already have a degree and want to become a social worker.
Students will learn through a combination of academic study and real social work experience in Thurrock. On completion, candidates will gain the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, which will enable graduates to register and practice as a social worker.
Thurrock is part of an Eastern Regional partnership recruiting aspiring social workers to join the programme. Anglia Ruskin University will once again be leading on the teaching and oversight of the academic elements of the programme.
For more, go to the government’s website. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/step-up-to-social-work
Who can 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).
Please note: final year students will be eligible to apply with a minimum 2:2 predicted grade.
• 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
• A GCSE in English or English language at grade 4 (C) or above (or an approved equivalent)
• A full UK Driving Licence
Details of specific Local Authority eligibility criteria can be found here from 17 February 2025: Home | Step Up to Social Work (pocketrecruiter.com)
You will need to show all of your original certificates to us as part of the application and assessment process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online.
You should also be able to demonstrate significant experience of either working or substantial volunteering with vulnerable children, young people, families, carers or adults.
How to apply
You can apply between 17 February 2025 and 25th March 2025.
You can complete the application on using the following link, and don’t forget to select Thurrock as the authority you want to be paired with.
https://susw.eu-careers.pocketrecruiter.com/welcome
If you are successful with their initial application, you will go on be assessed via a regional centre.
Students can expect to start the programme in January 2026