Get paid and train to become a social worker at the same time!

These schemes are so rare that I just had to let you all know about this one. Peterborough Council run a programme that allows you to apply for a four year traineeship during which time you will get your social worker degree through Anglia Ruskin University while still earning a salary!!

Amazing?? Yes, I know, and so rare that loads of people probably apply. The scheme is closed for 2011 and it will re-open in Feb 2012, so watch this space.

If you do intend to apply for an opportunity like this, prepare yourself for some pretty stiff competition. They don’t just give these opportunities away so use your time wisely before you apply for next year’s entry. Definitely go get some practical experience in social care. Whichever area you can get a placement in will help, doesn’t matter if you don’t want to specialise in that area when you qualify, it’s all good experience. Try and do some professional development learning if you can so show your commitment to study. The Open University do modules in health and social care that you might find relevant.

You have to make your application shine, so do everything you can before February next year to show your commitment to the industry and the career path of a social worker.

Social worker vacancies – public vs private sector

Whether you are a newly qualified social worker or a have a wealth of social work experience behind you, there are vacancies for you in both the public and private sectors. Private sector companies often recruit for social workers, but in many cases the vacancy actually involves working within a public sector company.

A private sector company, like a recruitment agency, can be awarded a contract to recruit for a number of qualified social workers for a public sector organisation such as a local authority or PCT. So even if you apply for a vacancy advertised by a recruitment agency the chances are you could end up working in the public sector.

It’s becoming increasingly common for recruitment agencies to be appointed to find a large number of social work staff for a particular organisation, so don’t be afraid to apply if the job takes your fancy. If you find there isn’t enough detail posted in the job advert itself, then you can always request further information.

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