Being a Social Worker is a very rewarding, worthwhile career, although at times it can be challenging. Social Workers work in numerous settings across the world, working with people across the whole spectrum of ages. In England ‘Social Worker’ is a protected title which means that it is illegal for a person to use the title unless they have completed the required training and are registered with Social Work England. The training and support someone receives as a social work student or social work apprentice needs cover a multitude of areas including law, psychology, sociology, politics, and history to ensure there is a good foundation of relevant knowledge and skills. Ongoing training, development and reflection is required to reregister each year and continue to practice as a Social Worker.

Here at Norfolk County Council, we are proud to offer training of the highest quality to people who want to work in both Adult Social Services and Children’s services. This includes our apprenticeship scheme which is open to existing Norfolk County Council staff as well as people who don’t currently work for the council, who have the relevant experience in social care, qualifications and can demonstrate the skills and knowledge for entry to the social work degree. The social work apprenticeship enables employees to study for a fully funded BA (Hons) in Social Work, while working full-time for Norfolk County Council and receiving a salary. While being a social work apprentice you will have opportunities to work with Adults and Children across our services as well as attend regular academic learning.

Other opportunities that are open in Norfolk to become a social worker are:

The Graduate Trainee Scheme, which is an exciting opportunity for graduates already working in Children’s Services or Adult Social Services employed within Norfolk County Council (NCC). Working in conjunction with the University of East Anglia, NCC offer a retainer of £6,200 per person per year to support up to four graduates to undertake the two-year full time MA in Social Work Course. We also have an external Graduate Trainee Scheme (open to external applicants) where successful applicants are offered a year in employment within either Children’s or Adult Social Services to gain experience before embarking on the MA in Social Work while receiving the same support and retainer as the internal scheme.

Step up to Social Work, which is an intensive, 14-month, full-time programme for trainee social workers, which is funded by the Department for Education. Trainees work in a local authority, gaining hands-on practitioner experience and academic learning. Successful trainees are awarded a postgraduate diploma in social work once they complete the programme, allowing them to register and practice as a social worker.

Open University Social Work Qualifying Programme route which offers support in the form of paid time off for practice placements for any of the Open University social work qualifying routes. This offer is open to both part-time and full-time employees through an expression of interest and agreement from senior managers.

If you are interested in becoming a social worker, but do not have the experience or required qualifications at this time, we also have a wide range of other opportunities across NCC in social care where you can build the skills, knowledge experience and qualifications required, your journey starts here. We are always looking for passionate, committed individuals who have a curiosity about people and a genuine caring nature accompanied with empathy.  If this sounds like you and you are thinking about a career in social care, further information can be found here Routes into social work - Norfolk County Council.

Together we can make a real, positive difference to people’s lives, so please get in touch now.