Cornwall Council is joining a national campaign to recruit more people into a career in social work.

The government STEP UP initiative will see graduates and those seeking a career change given the chance to get hands on experience as they become the next generation of social workers.

The full-time programme takes 14 months and is for those without a degree in social work and who want to become a social worker.

There are over 700 vacancies across the UK on the scheme, with five of those in Cornwall, and applications are open now.

Students taking up the scheme will each receive a bursary of £19,833 over the duration of the programme to support them whilst in training.

Read Next:

Cornwall Council’s Service Director for Children and Family Services, Ben Davies, said: "The last 12 months has clearly demonstrated the crucial role that social workers play in supporting the most vulnerable children and families.

"We are looking for people who believe in relationship-based social work with children and families and share our determination to make a difference to children’s lives.

"We offer the opportunity to develop your social work career in an innovative and ambitious children’s service.

"We would like to hear from people keen to embrace the opportunities of learning in an outstanding team."

The Step Up programme runs every two years and applications are open until April 7, 2021, followed by regional assessment centres for candidates successful at the initial application stage.

Students can expect to start the programme in January 2022 and to complete their training by March 2023.

For more information regarding the scheme or to apply, visit the DfE website: gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-education