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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Comments...
Hello, I am 32 and I moved to London from Greece ten months ago.I have a bachelor degree in Social Anthropology and a masters in Women and Gender. I have been a voluteer in Greece, teaching the greek language to immigrants and a volunteer for the Athens Gay Pride Festival. I am also a volunteer as a mentor for ex-offenders with drugs and alcohol issues here in London.
I would like to become a social worker for abused people but I don't have the cqsw and I can't afford to go back to the university. Could you please advise me what to do next?
Eva - 14 December 2011 @ 7:53 AM
I am 21 years old, I work as a childcare practitioner in a nursery. I have both SVQ level 2 and 3 qualifications and I have over 3 years experience working with young children. I would love to start a career in social work but would rather not go to university and was wondering what other way i could persue a career in this? would really appreciate any help you have.
danni - 28 August 2011 @ 10:40 PM
Hello I am 18years old and have always wanted a career in social services. I am working as a nursery nurse at the moment and have my NVQ level 2 childcare and considering my level 3. I have alot of experience with children from 16weeks-10years. Could you help me get on the right path. I would appreciate any help/advice. Thank you
sugar - 27 July 2011 @ 1:24 PM
hello, i'm 28 years old and i hold a master's degree in social and organizational psychology. Do you think i'm eligible to work as a social worker in the uk (i studied in portgugal, bachelor in psycholgy and masters in social and organizational psychology). if you think i might have a possibility tell me the first step to take because i'm a bit lost.
thank you very much,
Kind regards
sandra - 25 June 2011 @ 2:43 PM
I am the mother of two adopted children who are struggling in school. This has prompted me to explore the inflexibility of the education system with regard to those of disadvantaged backgrounds.
I have a degree in Business and Management and am a part-time University Lecturer and am also an assistant leader in the Scouts. I think I have many transferrable skills. I am interested in helping those from disadvantaged backgrounds have a fairer chance within education, and would like to do this through social work. Can you please advise. I would need to study part-time.
Many thanks
Beckee - 20 June 2011 @ 7:26 PM
Hey I am 21 years old and I really want to go into being a socialworker but I am not sure what to do ? I havent been university but I would want to go if it is part of training and studies for social work can I get some information. I want to know what qualifications do I need to become a social worker.
Thank You
sidrah - 7 June 2011 @ 10:32 PM
Hi, I'm a primary school teacher and for the last 3 years have worked in an area that has meant I have been heavily involved with social workers responsible for child protection and children and families services. I am interested in a career change - can you advise me as to what my next steps would be in becoming a social worker? Many thanks.
Hannah - 18 May 2011 @ 10:33 PM
I have always been interested in becoming a social worker, i am now looking for a change of career and as i love working with people and children i am very interetsted in changing peoples lives so i would be very graetful if you would email me back.
simone - 17 May 2011 @ 2:16 PM
There seems to be a greater need for social workers now and I want to enter a career path that has demand. I have worked with adults with learning disabilities and autism for 11 years, I have my NVQ4 in care management and my RMA, but are any of these qualifications transferable towards a social work qualification or must I start from scratch? Also I need to keep working, so are there any part time courses accessable, home learning etc. I would really value any feedback you can give.
Graeme - 15 May 2011 @ 5:16 PM
Hello,
I am 47 years old and was made redundant from an exceutive position in January.I am keen to explore the possibility of a career change into social work.My background includes 9 years with West Midlands Police and then senior management positions in finance and retail, all related to Loss Prevention, Security and Fraud Investigation.My preferred route would be through distance learning as I have the time to study virtually full time at the momment.Any advice on what my best options would be?
Regards
Charlie - 11 May 2011 @ 1:32 PM
Hello,I am a 32 year old single mum of 1 & I am going to be made redundant from a job I have be doing for 10 years & I am taking this opportunity to start a new career. Social Work is something I have always wanted to get into. I no there are many different areas to Social Work & all require different qualifications.When I am made redundant I will have to pull my 3 year old daughter out of Nursery (with the exception of 15 hours a week that the gov fund).With this in mind Uni is out of the question. I was wondering what other courses are accessable to myself (via distant learning / home study) that I could fit round home. Please e mail me back.
Lou - 7 May 2011 @ 12:53 PM
Hi, I currently work as a SEN teaching assistant in a primary school, I previously worked as a senior care assistant in a dementia unit for the elderly. I hold 7 GCSE's and NVQ 3 health and social care. I am currently doing level 3 diploma in supported teaching and learning in schools. My dream would be to train as a social worker but I am unsure which qualifications I need and how to go about gaining them. I am a mum of two children under 8 so would be unable to attend full time uni. Would I be eligible for any funding? thank you for your help.
ashley - 25 April 2011 @ 4:57 PM
I have a degree and have been a teacher for over 20 years, mainly working with young people with learning or behaviour difficulties. Over recent years, I have become increasingly interested in care of the elderly and am interested in finding out about qualifying as a social worker working primarily in care of the elderly. Would I have to return to university to retrain?
Bede - 20 April 2011 @ 1:08 PM
Hi I am currently studying a diploma programme at college covering 7 subjects. My exam diet begins in may and I have applied for psychology at various universities. Only trouble is I am undecided about going to uni!! My main career path is social work and I know if I have a degree under my belt I'd have a good chance of becoming a social worker at the end. However I am unsure if I want to go to uni so is there any way I can achieve being a social worker by not going to uni? I always volunteer part time for a befriending organisation for a year now and this have made more eager to be a social worker. I just have no idea how to go about becoming one without having a degree. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Nicola
Nmcinnes3 - 13 April 2011 @ 6:09 PM
Oh, and what I also meant to say was that great value is placed on life experience in this profession which, hand in hand with the training, provides an invaluable 'toolbox' for the modern social work professional.
Harmonia - 11 April 2011 @ 5:43 PM
I am wondering if you could help. I am 17 years old and i am leaving school at the end of this year, i have applied to 4 different universities and been turned down for social work either because of lack of spaces or my age. This is what i really want to do and i wondered what steps i could take to become a social worker despite being 17. thanks
Sing! - 9 April 2011 @ 12:35 PM
Hello, I am 29 years old and I from the UK. I have been living in Japan for the past 9 years teaching English as a foreign language. Before coming to the UK, I worked as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities. I have a degree in History.
I am looking to use my peoples skills in the UK when I return.
How would I go about becoming a social worker?
What do I need to gain (study) for to become one?
I am looking forward to a response.
EnglishMan - 7 April 2011 @ 10:50 AM
Hi there, I suppose you get loads of comments regarding becoming a social worker, not surprising as it seems a very satisfying career. However, how would someone like me (43 years old) go about getting into this career? I have loads of life experience that I feel I am ready to pass on to others now. I am in a job I love as an HGV driver, however I don't want be a "steering wheel attendant" when I'm 60! I have the normal commitments, mortgage, kids etc someone of my age will invarianbly have, so, how would I make the career change?
NIghtdriver - 5 April 2011 @ 1:45 PM
Hi, I'm 25 and looking for a career not another dead end job. I like the thought of making a difference in people's lives and believe that a career in social care would be very rewarding. I have a foundation degree in sound engineering and three A levels. How do I transfer these skills into social work, do I need to do another degree and where is the best place to start looking for training on the job places?
Fil - 1 April 2011 @ 11:18 AM
Hi I'm 30 and looking to escape the world of Marketing, I have an A levels in Sociology and Media Studies plus a degree in Cultural Studies and Communication Studies, any ideas how I could make the move to the profession or anything related such as working with women/children, perhaps occupational therapy etc etc!
Ucostra - 29 March 2011 @ 12:13 PM
Hello I'm 19 I will be 20 in the next 2 month, I have a qualifications in Customer Service, Travel and Tourism and ICT as well as Key Skills. I have always wanted to work with children, I have been doing lots of work with 13 and 14 year old children in the last 2 years with football coaching. I have also done lots of everyday activities with children when I was working out in Egypt as it was part of my job to keep all guests in the hotel entertained. I did things like mini disco, paint my fac, look after children and so on. I am just wondering what other qualifications do I need to become a social worker?
Kieran - 28 March 2011 @ 5:07 PM
Hello,
Im 17, and wondering what to do with my life,
I have plenty of options, but am stuck between two.
I've always wanted to work with children, as i have grown up with them (my mum works in a kids club, etc).
From the age of about 10 I've always been interested in being a primary school teacher,
but now i lack motivation in order to do my A Levels, etc.
I was wondering what qualifications,
or what i would have to do in order to become a social worker for children?
I like the idea of that, as your changing their lives a lot more than just teaching them.
Please email me back, thank you
Sammy - 25 March 2011 @ 11:01 AM
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