The Step Up To Social Work programme in Somerset Council opens for recruitment today (17 February 2025) for aspiring social workers to apply for a place on the intensive but highly rewarding training programme. 

Step Up To Social Work is 14-month, full-time training programme for talented graduates and career changers to become the next generation of child and family social workers supporting vulnerable children, young people and families.

It is designed for people who want to become a social worker but do not have a degree in social work. Successful applicants train through a combination of academic study and hands on social work experience in a local authority. 

Applicants eligible for the programme, which includes financial support alongside training, will be individuals with experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or adults, and who can demonstrate emotional resilience and potential for success.

Step Up To Social Work aims to attract applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and aims to have a workforce that represents the community served the Council.

Sam Mannion, Principal Social Worker for Children’s Social Care at Somerset Council, said: