Step up to social work

Want to really make a difference to the lives of children and families?

Step up to social work is a hugely rewarding 14-month, full-time degree programme for people who want to become social workers, but don't have a social work degree.

Apply nowProgramme guideTraining, funding and qualifications you'll receive, entry criteria and application deadline.

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. 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.

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.

Why should you apply

Hertfordshire

‘Social workers enjoy working in Hertfordshire and find their work rewarding. Those new to the authority feel welcomed and supported. The culture is positive and this positivity is reflected in the workplace. Practitioners enjoy collaborative and reflective working approaches as they spend more time in the office… What shone through was social workers’ and practitioners’ commitment to children, how well they know them and the positive relationships they have with children’ - OFSTED (HERTFORDSHIRE CHILDREN'S SERVICES), 2023

‘Consideration of children’s welfare and best interests will always be at the centre of our work’ - HERTFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL

‘I loved my time on the Step Up to Social Work course and received great support from Hertfordshire during that time. I am still working in Hertfordshire, which I think is testament to how good the authority is’ - LAURA, STEP UP TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENT 2014/2015

Bedfordshire

‘Bedford positively welcomes students and I’ve been made to feel that my contributions are valued and have received amazing support along the way from all staff I’ve sought guidance from. Bedford invest well in their staff and I’ve been offered a huge range of training on top of what I’ve received at university’ - NATALIE, STEP UP TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENT 2024/2025

‘The social work academy has been an asset in developing high-quality social workers. Staff who have benefited from this scheme spoke positively about the support they have been offered. Staff consistently report that they enjoy working for Bedford Borough Council. One of the main reasons for their commitment, repeated by many practitioners, was the visibility and approachability of senior leaders and the accessibility and availability of managers’ - OFSTED (BEDFORD CHILDREN'S SERVICES), 2021

‘We aim to work closely with families and other professionals to provide safe, high-quality services for children and young people in need’ - BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL

Luton

‘Leaders have created a social work academy that is central to their programme to grow their own staff. The academy’s focus is to provide the support and professional development opportunities needed to enable the workforce to deliver the best support they can for children. Social workers and advisers describe highly valued support and training. Regular practice weeks provide a dedicated period for the workforce to access new learning and development’ - OFSTED (LUTON CHILDREN'S SERVICES), 2022

‘Luton Borough Council has provided me with immense support over my placement. I have felt welcomed on my team and have been given great opportunities to assist my learning’ - QURRAT, STEP UP TO SOCIAL WORK STUDENT 2024/2025

‘Integrated working means everyone supporting children and young people works together effectively to put the child at the centre, meet their needs and improve their lives’ - LUTON BOROUGH COUNCIL

Learn more about social work

Look

Hackney Child, a book by Hope Danielles
Advice for Student Social Workers - Advice for
student social workers from those who’ve
done the job - Community Care
My Social Work News - Social Work News | The
Magazine for Social Workers, by Social
Workers

Listen

What works for Children’s Social Care Podcast -
available on most streaming platforms
Let’s Talk Social Work Podcast - available on
most streaming platforms

See

Lost Boys and Fairies - BBC iPlayer
Siobhan Maclean’s YouTube Channel - Siobhan
Maclean
Alma’s Not Normal - BBC iPlayer

For more information about the step up to social work programme, email us at SUSW@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

Step up to social work

Why should you apply

Learn more about social work

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