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.

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 ‘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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