BackA new “earn and learn” scheme has been launched to boost social work recruitment in the UK, with £15,000 of funding on offer for graduates to pursue a Masters degree while training to be a social worker.
This unique course is exclusively for people with 2:1 degrees or above and experience of working with children or young people. The training takes account of this experience and allows participants to qualify more quickly. Up to 200 places will be available from September this year.
Keith Brumfitt, Director of Strategy for the Children’s Workforce Development Council, said:
“This new scheme is a really positive step in ensuring that we attract the absolute best people to pursue a career in social work. We want to remove potential barriers which may prevent skilled professionals from seeking to train as a social worker. Step Up to Social Work is a perfect opportunity for people with relevant qualifications and experience working with children who want to change their career while being supported financially.”
Local Authorities in eight regions are participating in ‘Step Up to Social Work’, which is being delivered with support from Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford. It is work-based in order to provide the invaluable hands-on experience that only comes with on the job training.
“By teaming up with the Local Authorities, we can ensure that what the training candidates receive is relevant, allowing employers to play an active role in developing the next generation of social workers. ‘Step Up to Social Work’ is just one of the many ways that we are engaging and supporting the social work workforce of the future,” Brumfitt adds.
You can find out more about the scheme at the Children’s Workforce Development Council, and learn more about study in the UK in the latest i-studentadvisor guide.
I am currently a Support Worker through Clear Links working at Edge Hill University, my specialities are assisting students with academic research, comprehension, organisation and proof reading to name a few areas. I have extensive experience in working with people with various disabilities, involving paralysis, spina-bifida, MS, and various other physical impairments. I have volunteered on many occasions with Vitalise who run holidays for the physically impaired. My role was a volunteer Support Worker, assisting individuals through washing, dressing, swimming and as a companion so they got the most out of their time with the trust.
With Abacas Care Ltd I have been a carer for the physically and mentally disabled including those with Dementia, in residential and home care settings.
I am in charge of customer focus at McDonalds Restaurant Ormskirk, which involves dealing with complaints, and ensuring the experience of customers is to the highest standard. This often results in personally ejecting and escorting many aggressive youths from the store in a firm and respectful manner. I organise and chair meetings, encouraging all staff to voice any concerns, to be dealt with quickly and effectively.
I have had four people with special needs working with me, three of which have Downs-Syndrome. They are supported and encouraged in their interaction with customers and praised when appropriate. I have liaised with the Moss Lea Centre in Ormskirk where there day care support is given, informing their support workers of the success and concerns of each employee. Their parents are able to offer me good references at request!
I have sole responsibility for the RMCC (Ronald McDonald Children’s Charity) account and am responsible for over £2,000 being sent off to the charity in 2008/09. My work standards are to the highest level as I thrive on the completion of tasks, and imparting my energy to those around me in whatever environment I am placed in.
My MA has honed my skills as an excellent orator and a highly qualified researcher. I have personally checked over 3,000 soldier service records from WWI through my work at National Museums Liverpool, having transcribed many of the Liverpool Regiments war diary’s for use by the general public. In all, my academic skills are to the highest level, with my research to be directly found in the new £80 million Museum of Liverpool.
I am a Scout Leader to 30 children at the 9th Ormskirk where I mentor them on self sufficiency through team work, such as cycling / walking expeditions, first aid and awareness of society. With talks by the blind on the use of guide dogs and presentations by teachers from special needs schools. I also have close links with Substance Misuse professionals for which I have organised presentations. My aim is to educate children on the acceptance of all in society through increased knowledge of the minority.
As a Youth Worker at Christ Church Aughton I work with children from 10-20, with various conditions such as Aspergers and Angelmans Syndrome, teaching them about the bible and its application in their daily lives. However, they are taught to have their own opinion and question what they are told, so their view is their own and not one imposed by others. My role involves mentoring, with many discussing sensitive issues where my discretion, counselling qualification and social skills are put to use. I have also been part of an outreach project Re:Fuel, speaking to underage children with alcohol. I listened to them and got them involved in activities like volleyball. This broke down the social barriers and gave them an alternative to drinking through their boredom.
I have excellent people skills which are displayed through my voluntary activities of Scout Leader, Hospital Volunteer and volunteer Youth Worker/Mentor involving over 100 children on a weekly basis. This involves me leading, organising and working with children from 6-20, as well as working and planning with other volunteers to achieve these aims. I am a highly motivated person, who works well alone or in a group setting, through international expeditions, as seen through my Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s/Queen Scout Award.
In short my academic skill coupled with a desire to improve the lives of others would be greatly suited to the role of Social Worker, which is something I have already done extensively on a voluntary and professional basis.