Step up to social work

Do you have what it takes?

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.

Step up to social work programme

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

Recruitment

• Recruitment for the programme will open on 17 February 2025 with assessment centres scheduled for June to July 2025 and a January 2026 programme start date.

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.  

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.

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)

Final year students will be eligible to apply with a minimum 2:2 predicted grade, and if successful will receive a conditional offer dependant on their awarded 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)

See more information about specific local authority eligibility criteria.

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. 

To register an interest, visit the Step up to social work website when you can leave your details and when the portal is open you will be notified.

Information sessions

Details of information sessions:

• Thursday 13 March from 12:30pm to 13.30pm
• Twilight Session: Tuesday 18 March from 6pm to 7pm

To book onto these sessions, email your name and contact details to CYPWFLD@derby.gov.uk.

For more information, visit the the GOV.UK/Step up to social work website.