Becoming a qualified social worker
Social workers are trained professionals. They work with people and families to assess their needs. Providing advice and arranging services or support.
They help people cope with challenges. Including mental health issues, disabilities, or family problems.
You will need to complete a recognised degree in social work to become a qualified social worker. This will usually be a BA or MA in Social Work.
What will I learn?
Your degree will have academic and practical elements, and it will cover topics such as:
- safeguarding
- legislation
- mental health
- working with vulnerable groups
During your training, you’ll gain hands-on experience in various settings. You’ll work alongside professionals to develop essential skills.
Find out more about becoming a Social Worker on the UCAS website: How to become a social worker | Undergraduate | UCAS.
Or, if you’re a pupil or student, why not speak to your careers advisor or tutor?
Wakefield Council’s social work degree apprenticeship
If you are a permanent employee working in adult social care at Wakefield Council, you have the opportunity to train as a Social Worker. This is through our Social Work Degree Apprenticeship. A great way to learn whilst still earning your full wage.
It’s a three-year programme, combining practical work experience with academic study. If you successfully complete it, you will achieve a BA (Hons) in Social Work, accredited by Leeds Beckett University. You’ll then be able to register and practise as a qualified social worker.
Hear from one of our previous apprentices
Lucy B has worked at Wakefield Council for several years, starting out as a Care Co-ordinator. She then applied to join the social work degree apprenticeship programme.
“It enabled me to complete my social work degree while being paid my normal wage. The degree was funded by Wakefield Council, developing my skills through work-based placements, while attending university each week.
The apprenticeship supported me to move around different teams. This meant when it came to looking for a job after completing my degree, I had a clear idea of where I wanted to go.
The best part was working with so many different teams, meeting different professionals, and social workers with a vast array of experiences, so happy to share their knowledge and skills with me.” - Lucy B