The window is now open for applications to the new West Midlands Step Up to Social Work programme, a fast track training programme leading to a Masters in Social Work through which people could potentially start a career as a children's social worker within 14 months.
The course will be running from January 2020 to March 2021 and participants will receive a tax free bursary of over £19,000 towards living costs and any child care arrangements. In addition, all course fees are paid.
At the end of the course, successful candidates will be expected to practice with one of the organisations which are partnering with the programme - such as the City of Wolverhampton Council - for at least 2 years.
Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "We are very pleased to be supporting the West Midlands Step Up to Social Work programme, which offers people a direct route into the world of children's social work.
"I would encourage any talented graduates who have ever thought about a career in children's social work to seriously consider applying for this fast track programme and, who knows, one day they may be working with children, young people and their families in Wolverhampton."
The application window will be open until 18 March 2019. Potential applicants need a minimum of a 2:1 honours degree or a 2:2 honours degree plus a higher degree at level 7 or above, and at least 6 months' experience working with vulnerable children, young people and families. Candidates also require English and Maths GCSE qualifications at grade C or above, or equivalent.
For more information about the West Midlands Step Up to Social Work programme, and to apply, please visit Apply for Step Up to Social Work or email jill.stephenson@stoke.gov.uk.