Top graduates offered cash to train as social workers

The Step up to Social Work campaign created by the Children's Workforce Development Council (CWDC) and funded by the Department for Children, Schools and Families, will be open to people with 2:1 degrees or above and experience of working with children and young people.

Up to 200 places will be available from September and candidates will receive a minimum of £15,000 each.

Keith Brumfitt, director of strategy for CWDC, said: "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 the initiative, which is being delivered with support from Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Salford.

"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," Brumfitt added.

Once they have completed their training, candidates on the scheme will be eligible for support from the Newly Qualified Social Worker and Early Professional Development programmes, which provide social workers training and support in their first years of employment.

For more information visit www.cwdcouncil.org.uk/stepup