Watch Hemel social worker share her 'Step Up to Social Work' experience as training programme opens for new recruits

The Step Up to Social Work programme which funds graduates and career changers to retrain as the next generation of social workers is now recruiting in Hertfordshire

The Central Eastern Regional Partnership (CERP) led by Hertfordshire County Council in collaboration with Bedford Borough Council and Luton Council, has been successful in a bid to deliver the programme for a seventh cohort.

Abbie Banks, from Hemel Hempstead, was in cohort five and has shared a video about her experience on the fast-track training programme.

Applications are now open and with all the extra pressures brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is crucial for Hertfordshire County Council to recruit more social workers for the county.

Since its launch in 2010, hundreds of people throughout the country have completed the government programme, with 81 graduates qualifying locally.

The Applications opened last month and will close on April 7, with the new cohort starting in January 2022.

The scheme offers students a bursary of just under £20,000 to support trainees on the 14-month programme which leads to a rewarding career as a social worker, supporting vulnerable children and families.

Learning takes place through a combination of university study and placements, and after completing their training the new graduates join the council’s Children’s Services department as newly qualified social workers.

Applications are now open for the next cohort of graduates to join the scheme with funding available for 25 places across the Central Eastern Regional Partnership.

Around 12 of these trainees will be placed in Hertfordshire. Applications from males, and people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds are particularly welcomed.

Councillor Teresa Heritage, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families, said: “Since its launch in 2010 the Step up to Social Work scheme has helped us to address the national shortage of social workers, while offering potential recruits the incentive of moving into paid employment more quickly.

“The majority of our graduates have remained working in Hertfordshire and are enjoying their new, fulfilling careers in social work assisting the many families in need across the county.”

Candidates are eligible to apply if they have a 2:1 degree - for example, with honours - or a 2:2 plus a higher degree, which can include a master’s degree or a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, in a discipline other than social work.

They should also have the equivalent of a GCSE Grade C in maths and English, and experience of working with children, young people or families.

To find out more about the course, eligibility and how to apply, visit: www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/stepup.