Changing Career to Become a Social Worker

Originally written by Lucy Debenham, updated by the editorial team on 4th April 2026

Miss Nicola Carr asks

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.

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 T Level or apprenticeship qualification. 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 T Level or apprenticeship qualification, 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 T Level or apprenticeship qualification.

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Other Options

If you are currently unemployed, your local Jobcentre 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.

Your situation may be slightly different. ask a question below ↓ and our editorial team will reply with our advice.

The Next Step

Now that you have read through the advice above, you might want to put it into practice. Our Career Change Matcher lets you tell us what is not working and what you want instead and we will match you with career paths that fit. Try it now →

86 questions

Ask A Career Change a Question

Kerry 08/06/2021 at 7:09 pm

I am a registered nurse looking for a change of career into social work. Please advise.

Katie 30/10/2020 at 8:47 am

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 ?

Catalina 07/11/2019 at 12:55 pm

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

Mikel 13/05/2019 at 11:01 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??

Maria 09/04/2019 at 1:09 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

Jack 24/03/2019 at 10:41 am

I am a nurse with diploma and would like fastrack to social worker please advise

Jack 24/03/2019 at 10:39 am

I am a qualified nurse of 13 years with s diploma not degree and would like be a social worker please advise

philippa 01/01/2019 at 8:28 pm

been a carer with nvq level 2 and 3 care work would like to be a adult social worker how to I do this.

Cliff 09/07/2018 at 11:43 am

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?

Nurse13 15/04/2018 at 10:59 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

ACareerChange Editor 23/01/2018 at 12:22 pm

You can try Step up to Social Work or Frontline for information about on the job training and studying

Jem 20/01/2018 at 10:20 am

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 .

Kettle 01/11/2017 at 6:57 pm

I'm 58 retired from Police as community support worker job . Have always wanted to be a social worker.

ACareerChange Editor 27/09/2017 at 12:11 pm

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.

Ria 25/09/2017 at 1:50 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.

ACareerChange Editor 19/06/2017 at 2:22 pm

Probably not, because social work and mental health nursing are separate, quite distinct fields of study.

Flyby 15/06/2017 at 8:38 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

Mel 05/06/2017 at 9:38 am

I am a qualified Early Childhood teacher. What would I need to become a social worker? Any advice would really be appreciated. Thank you.

Junior 01/06/2017 at 10:17 pm

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 of income 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.

Kem 19/05/2017 at 8:34 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.

Archy 02/03/2017 at 7:09 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

tracy49 26/01/2017 at 12:22 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

ACareerChange Editor 11/01/2017 at 2:36 pm

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.

Ann 10/01/2017 at 7:56 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?

ACareerChange Editor 29/11/2016 at 11:13 am

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.

aqsa 28/11/2016 at 5:48 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

Sass 06/11/2016 at 9:29 pm

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.

ACareerChange Editor 02/08/2016 at 9:37 am

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.

Titan 01/08/2016 at 12:45 pm

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.

ACareerChange Editor 16/02/2016 at 11:47 am

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.

Sm 13/02/2016 at 3:57 pm

Hi I am a nurse with a degree (adult branch) interested in social work is this an option and would my qualifications help me

ACareerChange Editor 20/01/2016 at 2:00 pm

As the article states, you will need to undertake a social work degree. Contact universities (you can find details on the UCAS website) to see whether your existing qualifications would be sufficient for access on to an undergraduate course.

Aria 19/01/2016 at 8:19 pm

Hi I have an nvq level 2 and 3 in health and social care and a diploma in adult nursing. What would I need to become a social worker please?

Rouge 29/12/2015 at 4:59 pm

Hello, I've been working in the banking field for 13 years and currently opting to take redundancy. I have always been interested in becoming a social worker, I have only GCSE's as went straight into full time work at 15. I am now 36. Can you please point me in the right direction of where I'd begin to progress in the South Glos area? Thank you

ACareerChange Editor 07/12/2015 at 2:37 pm

All social workers must have a social work degree now. There are part time and open university degree courses in social work that you could consider. Your work as a family support worker may be seen as relevant and may help with your application onto a degree course.

Tink 06/12/2015 at 1:53 am

Please can you help. I am a 50 year old Family Support Worker, I have worked for DCC for 11 years and I would dearly love to train as a Social Worker. I have a Diploma in Children and Young People workforce as well as extensive experience with families and working alongside Social Workers. I cannot afford to study full time and I was wondering if there is any on the job training that I could apply for.

ACareerChange Editor 26/08/2015 at 11:41 am

Thansk for giving us your views as member of a social work team. Do any other readers have experience like this? Please share here, we'd love to get opinions from the "chalkface" so to speak.

angorra 24/08/2015 at 11:25 am

Can I say that I as a late 40s guy had worked within support role as social worksupport officer for Camden Adult Social care for 15 plus years working with adults. From my own experience this job put me off qualifying.The good social workers were not supported and demoralised by managers and so left. Bright staff were seen as a threat the lack lustre of s/w remained, the diligent and client focussed ones remain. But the morale and conveyor like attitude that exists was enough to put me off. It's hardly a profession you go go in for the money but to be working in an environment where there is little support or thanks must be soul destroying. It is a culture of put up and shut up and with all the cut backs and personalisation I feel it is a career which at best would just undertake safe guarding and child/adult protection issues. From what I have seen S/W s are being de skilled and are not supported often by inadequate managers whom should not even be in practice

mmacph 22/06/2015 at 9:30 am

Hi there,
I have a BA in media and communications which included psychology modules, as well as a higher psychology grade. For the past two and a half years I've been working under the umbrella of store security which has allowed me to deal with vulnerable people, and develop some excellent communication, listening, and mediation skills. I have some voluntary experience within my local community working with women's groups. I am now very interested in becoming a social worker. I have been looking to assess the best route for me, I've looked at pgdip courses and also the full ba. Any advice would be appreciated.

ACareerChange Editor 29/01/2015 at 10:51 am

@jen. As we don't have the full details of what your degree covered we can't answer this as fully as you'd like. It may be simpler to speak directly to a social services head and discuss their usual requirements. You would still most likely be required to gain a professional qualification but your existing degree and experience may mean you can omit certain modules etc.

Jen 27/01/2015 at 11:07 am

I have a First Class BA Joint Hons in Sociology and Social Welfare degree and two years experience working in a therapeutic residential children's home. Would this be an adequate qualification and level of experience to apply for a social workers position?

stheh 26/10/2014 at 12:58 pm

Hy im 18 and i really want to be in social work training but i've been trying, i dont know how to get application forms...please help.

Nanakua 08/05/2014 at 10:09 pm

I have a year's experience in working in a care home,, with people with learning disability and mental health related issues. I wish to switch into social work and wish to know what I can do.

claire. c 17/04/2014 at 9:57 pm

Hi I'm really interested about training to be a social worker, but not really sure how to go about it and if it's really manageable to do. I've worked as a carer for the last 12 years and have got my nvq 2 and 3 in care. For the last three years I have been a private carer for two ladies with dementia. I love my job but since starting in care my goal was always to become a social worker for the elderly. I have 9 gcse's and 2 a levels, one of them in sociology. Could you please give me some advice on what my options could be. Thank you

MamaKera 06/04/2014 at 10:32 pm

I'm 42yrs working in a financial industry,mother of 3.is it too late to do career change.I would like to be a social worker.I'm planning to resign or cn I do distance learning?I was prepared to go straight. To uuniversity.I have diploma in Public Management

- 25/03/2014 at 6:39 pm

Hi I am 42 and working as a support worker (learning disability)in social care sector of supported living. I have my nvq3 and 15 gcse's equivelat( as I am German but been living here for over 10 years) I also got management experience as a care service coordinator, where I worked closely together with care managers to assess people for placements and helping them to adjust to there new inviroment . I always thought I might be quite good as a social worker but really don't know where to start. Could you tell me what qualifications I would need, where to get them and if there any entery requirements please. Thank you. Heike

caitylyn>33 22/03/2014 at 8:55 pm

ellow there im 14 and I know a bit early, yes but im scared what id I don't get a levels or anything could I still trin to become a social worker,please answer my foundation exams and mocks 'GCSES are coming up in October

lulu 12/03/2014 at 12:39 am

Hi i ve been in retain/cashier for over ten years,i would like become a social work,by joining university university next year,i ve been on matenity leave since 2012 would like a change,what requirements do i need to become social worker?

Jools 26/06/2013 at 9:09 am

I left school when I was 15 and never took any qualifications. I have been doing voluntary work for mental health and social family problems through my local church for quite a few years. I have no longer any commitments and would like to train as a social worker. Is there any grants for people like myself who have never taken any qualifications previously to get a grant for living expenses?

Deg2013 06/06/2013 at 9:09 am

Hi there I have been a registered nurse since 2002 and am looking to become a social worker, can anyone tell me if there are any fast track courses for nurses to become qualified as a social worker, I have an RNdipHE in nursing
looking forward to some advice

Deg2013 06/06/2013 at 9:07 am

Hi there

Im hoping someone can give me some advice, I have been an RN since 2002, and have a wealth of nursing experience, I have a diploma in HE and would like to pursue a career in social work. Are there any fast track courses, taking into account prior qualifications? looking forward to some advice

strevo 23/05/2013 at 9:04 pm

Hi i'm 37, have a 3rd class degree in sports studies and i'm currently working as an inclusive education mentor in a pupil referral unit with 9 years experience, i would like to enter into social work can you advise me how i can do this without having to complete a full degree in social work

kimboslice 15/03/2013 at 3:04 pm

Hi, I'm 23 and a recent graduate from a media degree. I started off university life as a nurse but changed because of lack of life experience and confidence. Now I want to build a career for myself in social work because I want to care and help people. I have no clue where to start and would appreciate any advice or guidance as to what steps to take to get into social work.

Tracey 26/12/2012 at 3:59 pm

Hi, am a single mum work 28 hours and looking to become a social worker, currently working
As a hairdresser,
Please could you guide me on the the next procedure in how to make this possible.
Many thanks.
Tracey

roza 07/09/2012 at 7:23 pm

Hi I have a degree in psychology and management and msc in social anthropology of child development. How can i start work in child social work? do i have to take extra courses??what are the next steps?

RecessionJoe 17/07/2012 at 6:29 pm

Anyone wanting to retrain as a social worker-seriously read some news articles on community carespace and elsewhere-a quarter of newly qualified social workers are unemployed after 6 months of completing their course (and many others who are in jobs are not working in social work). .Employers don't want to take on newly qualified social workers because of the risk and the additional work in supporting and supervising them and protecting reduced caseloads. At the same time because of government campaigns to get more people into SW a few years ago (before recession and cuts hit) there is a massive glut of social work students coming out of universities. The reablement and personalisation agendas have decimated adult social work jobs and cuts are now making major roads into children and families work. From next year social work graduates will have to do an Assessed Year in Employment to fully qualify . Not all employers will be able to offer this(so massive competition again) but if it is not completed within 2 years of finishing the degree the student will not be qualified.
Seriously guys-do not waste your time and money on retraining in this area.

Hattie 08/06/2012 at 6:28 pm

I am 26 and would like to train as a speech therapist but I don't have a degree.Any suggestions please

Kazypet 15/05/2012 at 2:49 pm

I'm currently a Staff Nurse and have a Diploma in Adult Nursing but would like to change careers to become a social worker. I'm not in a position to do the degree ( lack of funds and time ) so I want to know if there is another way in to this profession and if my current experience is worth anything. Many thanks, Karen.

Beatie 29/03/2012 at 8:37 pm

Hi there, I am 38 and have worked in early years for 20yrs. I have my NVQ 3 in early years. I was wondering what qualiifications I would require to become a social worker? Many thanks

Nursery Jobs 09/03/2012 at 1:12 pm

Have you thought about distant learning while working part-time? this would allow you to at least make some money, while maybe pursuing something that you are really passionate about.

Esme 06/03/2012 at 1:51 pm

Hello,
For the past four years I have been working as planning policy officer. I have an MSC in urban and regional planning and a BA in Geography.
Whilst studying for my Ba i undertook a lot of youth work type roles, during the summer holidays and evenings.
I feel that my current job isn't rewarding nor as person focussed as I had hoped it would be during my training.
I am interested in a career change to get into social work. Is there any simple way of doing this? I am not able to leave work to study full time due to financial implications. Do any authorities offer on the job training in Social Work anymore?
Any advice would be great
Thanks

livvy 22/02/2012 at 2:02 pm

i am currently in my second year at university studying primary school teaching with specialism in english, after serious consideration i would love to pursue my career as a social worker, what would you sugguest. Is there a fast entry upon me completing my current degree.

Nicky 21/02/2012 at 9:17 pm

Hi, im 25 and have a BA in Early Childhood Studies, however i would love to become a social worker, but i have no idea how to go about it. i have been to university before, and would like to try and train on the job, is this possible to do? please email me back, thank you

Smiler 21/02/2012 at 6:27 pm

Hi there, I'm 30 and currently in my 5th year of teaching Foundation Stage children. I have worked closely with Sure Start and Speech Therapist's and I'm looking for a change. I was wondering how could I get into Social Care without having to stop working? Please email me back. Thank you

Eva 14/12/2011 at 7:53 am

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?

danni 28/08/2011 at 10:40 pm

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.

sugar 27/07/2011 at 1:24 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

sandra 25/06/2011 at 2:43 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

Beckee 20/06/2011 at 7:26 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

sidrah 07/06/2011 at 10:32 pm

Hey I am 21 years old and I really want to go into being a social worker 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

Hannah 18/05/2011 at 10:33 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.

simone 17/05/2011 at 2:16 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.

Graeme 15/05/2011 at 5:16 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.

Charlie 11/05/2011 at 1:32 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

Lou 07/05/2011 at 12:53 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.

ashley 25/04/2011 at 4:57 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.

Bede 20/04/2011 at 1:08 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?

Nmcinnes3 13/04/2011 at 6:09 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

Harmonia 11/04/2011 at 5:43 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.

Sing! 09/04/2011 at 12:35 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

EnglishMan 07/04/2011 at 10:50 am

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.

NIghtdriver 05/04/2011 at 1:45 pm

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?

Fil 01/04/2011 at 11:18 am

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?

Ucostra 29/03/2011 at 12:13 pm

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!

Kieran 28/03/2011 at 5:07 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?

Sammy 25/03/2011 at 11:01 am

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

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