Routes into social work

Choose from a range of routes into social work.

On this page: 

Experienced social workers

As an experienced social worker Nottinghamshire offers an excellent opportunity for you to progress. We offer competitive pay, including a market factor supplement in the  majority of our teams, various opportunities for progression, and close links with local universities so you can continue your learning and professional development.

Newly qualified social workers

We recruit a large cohort of newly qualified social workers every year, who complete our acclaimed Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme. Joining our programme will provide you with the perfect start to your social work career. We will make sure you have the support and training you need, to get you fully prepared in your crucial first year of practice. Find out more details on our ASYE programme. 

We don't advertise specifically for NQSW roles, but our Assessment and Child Protection Social Worker vacancies are open to newly qualified social work graduates.

Step up to social work – training programme

We are pleased to be part of the step up to social work programme (GOV.UK), a bespoke training programme leading to a post-graduate diploma in social work (equivalent to MA level). 

This programme provides a 14-month intensive hands-on experience, specifically designed as a new way for career changers to train to become qualified social workers. Trainees on this pathway complete a distance learning programme blended with a number of face-to-face academic sessions and work-based placements lasting the majority of the qualification.

Returning to social work

If you are considering a return to social work after time away from practice, we would be pleased to hear from you.

Although we currently do not  operate a formal Return to Social Work programme, opportunities may be available for individuals seeking to regain their Social Work England registration through supervised practice.

If you are interested in returning to Children's Social Care  you should apply for a qualified social worker vacancy through our standard recruitment process and clearly outline their circumstances within their application.

Where appropriate, support may be provided to enable applicants to complete the supervised practice requirements needed for Social Work England registration. Subject to successful completion of these requirements and relevant progression processes, individuals may then move into a Social Worker role.

Social work apprenticeships

Nottinghamshire County Council is committed to supporting career development through apprenticeships and offers Social Work Degree Apprenticeships within both Children's and Adults' Services.

The Social Work Degree Apprenticeship provides an opportunity for existing employees to train as qualified social workers while remaining in paid employment. Apprentices combine workplace learning with university study, enabling them to gain the knowledge, skills and experience required for professional social work practice.

The apprenticeship leads to a recognised social work qualification and eligibility to register with Social Work England upon successful completion.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for a Social Work Degree Apprenticeship, applicants must typically:

  • Be employed by Nottinghamshire County Council for a minimum of 12 months.
  • Have significant relevant experience working with children, families, adults or communities within a social care setting.
  • Be committed to developing a career in social work.
  • Be able to demonstrate the skills, values and behaviours required for professional social work practice.
  • Hold GCSE English Language at Grade 4 (C) or above, or an equivalent Level 2 qualification.

What does the apprenticeship involve?

The apprenticeship combines academic study with practical experience in the workplace over three years. Apprentices are employed within social care services and spend the majority of their time gaining hands-on experience, alongside dedicated study time and assessed practice learning opportunities.

Throughout the programme, apprentices receive support from their employing service, practice educators and university tutors to help them develop the knowledge, skills and professional capabilities required of a qualified social worker.

How to apply?

Social Work Degree Apprenticeship opportunities are advertised through our vacancies page as and when they become available. Eligibility requirements, programme details and application timelines may vary for each recruitment round.

Approach programme

Frontline, a social work charity, operates a training programme which enables people with an existing degree in a relevant field, to access social work training and an MA social work qualification.

The programme is run in partnership with a number of local authorities around the country, including Nottinghamshire, and individuals can apply through the Frontline website.

Participants are placed directly with an employer, and spend most of their time working with that employer, alongside a programme of study, and supported by a social work consultant.

University

A social work degree at university involves either a three-year (BA) or two-year (MA) qualification course, with work-based placements in years two and three for the BA course, and in both years one and two for the MA course. Degree courses train students to work as a generic social worker allowing students to opt to work in either children’s adults social work. The course content and admissions process may vary slightly from university to university. See below for details of the courses at our local partner universities:

Nottingham Trent University

University of Nottingham

University of Derby