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Changing Career to Become a Social Worker

By: Lucy Debenham BA (hons) - Updated: 8 Jun 2021 | comments*Discuss
 
Changing Career To Become A Social Worker

Q.

I am looking for a career change and would like to train to be a social worker, working with children and young people. As I have no experience or qualifications, I would like to know what the best path for me would be.

I am unable to attend university as I have home committments, would you be able to advise me on how I would begin, i.e. how I would gain experience and qualifications.

(Miss Nicola Carr, 21 November 2008)

A.

The interesting thing about changing career to become a social worker is that you don’t need any formal qualifications to get started. If full-time study is out of the question, you can always opt for a part-time course. If Finances Are An Issue, there may be ways to gain financial support throughout your studies.

If you are still unable to undertake study, the great news is that many opportunities within social work involve training on the job, so you can earn as you learn. Because social work involves a great deal of practical client-facing work, this is an ideal career route. For instance, you could apply for a work-based NVQ. Other opportunities may involve day release to attend and study at your local college, so study and practical training are combined.

If you like the idea of undertaking an NVQ, you’ll need to take part in Induction training. This helps to equip new workers with the knowledge and skills that will enable you to work safely and effectively within the first 12 weeks of employment, or in your case, 24 weeks since you’re aiming to work with children. Once you have completed this induction course, you’ll be eligible to train towards your NVQ.

Other Options

If you are currently unemployed, your local Job Centre Plus may be able to assist. The government runs a programme known as the ‘Flexible New Deal’, allotting you an adviser who will help to support and guide you through the steps to achieve your goal of moving into social care work.

Another great way to move into a role as a social worker is to take part in some Voluntary Work with children, if possible. Your local community may run many young people’s groups, giving you the chance to gain experience of working with children of all abilities from a wide variety of backgrounds. This not only reinforces any job or course applications you make, but also allows you to obtain a great deal of knowledge about the job you intend to take. It also gives you an idea of whether social work is the kind of work you’d like to undertake as a ‘proper’ full or part-time job.

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I am a registered nurse looking for a change of career into social work. Please advise.
Kerry - 8-Jun-21 @ 7:09 PM
I am currently doing a nursing (paediatric and mental health) degree. Although I thought I wanted to do nursing I'm now rethinking and social work has always been something I'm interested in, would my degree enable me to become a social worker ?
Katie - 30-Oct-20 @ 8:47 AM
Hi I'm a RGN,I'm working for four years in a nursing home and I'm looking for a change in Social Worker. What do I have to do to get a position as a Social Worker
Catalina - 7-Nov-19 @ 12:55 PM
I have a postgraduate degree in Business management (MSC). I could not get a job and now, I want to switch careers and start to work as a social worker. How do I go about this??
Mikel - 13-May-19 @ 11:01 PM
Hi, I am a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Nursing. I would like to know how I can qualify to become a Social worker. Regards, Maria
Maria - 9-Apr-19 @ 1:09 PM
I am a nursewith diploma and would like fastrack to social worker please advise
Jack - 24-Mar-19 @ 10:41 AM
I am a qualified nurse of 13 years with s diplomanot degreeand would like be a social worker pleaseadvise
Jack - 24-Mar-19 @ 10:39 AM
been a carer with nvq level 2 and 3 care work would like to be a adult social worker how to I do this.
philippa - 1-Jan-19 @ 8:28 PM
I am 50 this year I have BA hons degree in sport coaching I also have my cert Ed (qualified teacher) would I be able to become a social worker without going back to uni? And if so how?
Cliff - 9-Jul-18 @ 11:43 AM
I am an adult nurse with 5years post grad and would love to become a social worker how do i go about doing this
Nurse13 - 15-Apr-18 @ 10:59 AM
Jem - Your Question:
Hiya, I have a degree in adult nursing and have been in this job for 4 years - I have 6 months experience in school nursing. Would I have to go back to uni for a full 3 years or is there a different way around it? Many thanks.

Our Response:
You can try Step up to Social Work or Frontline for information about on the job training and studying
ACareerChange - 23-Jan-18 @ 12:22 PM
Hiya, I have a degree in adult nursing and have been in this job for 4 years - I have 6 months experience in school nursing. Would I have to go back to uni for a full 3 years or is there a different way around it? Many thanks .
Jem - 20-Jan-18 @ 10:20 AM
I'm 58 retired from Police as community support worker job . Have always wanted to be a social worker.
Kettle - 1-Nov-17 @ 6:57 PM
Ria - Your Question:
Hi. I'm a childminder with Level 3: children and young people's workforce Diploma. I'm 48. I really would like a change of career to become a social worker but am worried that I maybe a bit too old? Have been childminding for 8 years. I only have 2 GCSEs (English Lang & Lit).I just need a bit of advice on what I need to do next (or if I'm too old).Thanks.

Our Response:
We can't tell you what the BASW or employers' attitudes towards age is, but in view of the fact that the official retirement age for someone your age is 68, we think you're certainly not too old. You will need to underake further qualifications in order to gain access to a social work degree. You will need maths GCSE and three A levels or NVQ level 3.
ACareerChange - 27-Sep-17 @ 12:11 PM
Hi. I'm a childminder with Level 3: children and young people's workforce Diploma. I'm 48. I really would like a change of career to become a social worker but am worried that I maybe a bit too old? Have been childminding for 8 years. I only have 2 GCSEs (English Lang & Lit)...I just need a bit of advice on what I need to do next (or if I'm too old). Thanks.
Ria - 25-Sep-17 @ 1:50 PM
Flyby - Your Question:
Hi I have finished my degree in social work and want to be in mental health. Is there anyway I can convert to mental health nursing without doing all 3 years again. Thanks

Our Response:
Probably not, because social work and mental health nursing areseparate, quite distinct fields of study.
ACareerChange - 19-Jun-17 @ 2:22 PM
Hi I have finished my degree in social work and want to be in mental health. Is there anyway I can convert to mental health nursing without doing all 3 years again. Thanks
Flyby - 15-Jun-17 @ 8:38 PM
I am a qualified Early Childhood teacher. What would I need to become a social worker? Any advice would really be appreciated. Thank you.
Mel - 5-Jun-17 @ 9:38 AM
Hi,I am coming up for 43,single mum of 2. Is it too late for me to train to be a social worker?.i would need to work part time for some sort ofincome at the same time. I am a hairdresser by trade,but have also worked in a lot of customer service,my best quality,as I am such a people's person,and feel I could really help in this line of work,any advice would be really appreciated?.thanks.
Junior - 1-Jun-17 @ 10:17 PM
I have an MA in Psychology and a PGCE in teaching. I am currently a Primary School Teacher. Can you offer any advice as to what I would need to do to become a social worker please? Thank you.
Kem - 19-May-17 @ 8:34 PM
I am after a career change and would like to get into Social Care. Can you advise the 1st steps I need to take to get me on the Ladder. Thank you
Archy - 2-Mar-17 @ 7:09 PM
 am 50 this year with no qualifications.  I am a bank Clark and would like to be a social worker.  Were do I start.  I can studie part time.  What course would I need to do?  What sort of volunteer work would I need to do?  I could also studie full time, but would I really need a qualification or do on the job training 
tracy49 - 26-Jan-17 @ 12:22 PM
Ann - Your Question:
I sacrificed my further studies to have children, of which I have 4.My last daughter is aged nearly 14 so I want to now concentrate in what I really Wang to do.I am 53, so although I have 5 'O' levels - GCSE's to find those certificates would be like a needle in a haystack as I have moved house several times.I have worked in a drugs and alcohol setting, I have worked for the County Court, Council, Citizens advice bureau and such but have no qualifications in the social work field.I want a fast track course to get me onto training in the social worker field.Can you help?

Our Response:
You can get a replacement exam certificate for your O levels. You will need to sit A levels or an appropriate access course to get onto a social degree course. Contact universities of your choice to find out more.
ACareerChange - 11-Jan-17 @ 2:36 PM
I sacrificed my further studies to have children, of which I have 4. My last daughter is aged nearly 14 so I want to now concentrate in what I really Wang to do. I am 53, so although I have 5 'O' levels - GCSE's to find those certificates would be like a needle in a haystack as I have moved house several times . I have worked in a drugs and alcohol setting, I have worked for the County Court, Council, Citizens advice bureau and such but have no qualifications in the social work field. I want a fast track course to get me onto training in the social worker field. Can you help?
Ann - 10-Jan-17 @ 7:56 PM
aqsa - Your Question:
Hi I'm masters in finance but I want to change my career n want to become a social worker.do I need to do degree in social work in order to get job?or is there any other options available to get into this job.please guide

Our Response:
You will need to complete a social work degree, although you may be able to do this part time. You should approach your chosen university and ask them about entrance requirements.
ACareerChange - 29-Nov-16 @ 11:13 AM
Hi i'm masters in finance but i want to change my career n want to become a social worker..do i need to do degree in social work in order to get job?or is there any other options available to get into this job..please guide
aqsa - 28-Nov-16 @ 5:48 AM
Left school 24 years ago and never retrieved my exam grades as at the time was young and had a guaranteed job in a hairdressers so felt I didn't need them!!!( I know, young and foolish) I have been hairdressing all that time. But am starting to feel now I would love a career change and to go into social working. Would really like some advice as to which route I take first. But do need to carry on working as I am a single mum to a young (under two) child. So need to support her whilst trying to learn.
Sass - 6-Nov-16 @ 9:29 PM
Titan- Your Question:
Hi, I have been a secondary teacher for the past 14 years I am seriously considering changing career and getting my my self qualified in social work. Can you please tell me the best route. I have 2 small children so voluntary work is not an option. I am working full time as a head of sept at present.

Our Response:
You say that voluntary work is not an option, but you will have to undertake some practical work as part of a social work degree and possibly also beforehand to gain access to a course. Your choices are to either go back full time as an undergraduate or to look at online courses to study while you're working. Some useful links have been posted in comments below.
ACareerChange - 2-Aug-16 @ 9:37 AM
Hi, I have been asecondary teacher for the past 14 years I am seriously considering changing career and getting my my self qualified in social work. Can you please tell me the best route. I have 2 small children so voluntary work is not an option. I am working full time as a head of sept at present.
Titan - 1-Aug-16 @ 12:45 PM
Sm - Your Question:
Hi I am a nurse with a degree (adult branch) interested in social work is this an option and would my qualifications help me

Our Response:
Please see the article and the other comments. You will need to undertake a social work degree and may have sufficient entry requirements onto the degree course because of your nursing qualifications.
ACareerChange - 16-Feb-16 @ 11:47 AM
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