Being a social worker can be a challenging yet incredibly rewarding career, as it’s one of the most effective professions in helping others and making a difference in their lives. If you’re looking for a career with meaning, action, diversity, satisfaction, and a variety of options, you should consider the Step Up to Social Work programme.

Step Up to Social Work is a Department for Education funded, fast-track programme that sees high calibre candidates qualified as Social Workers in 14 months. The programme is designed to support highly skilled graduates into social care.

Rachel, is currently training to become social worker through the Step Up to Social Work Programme. Prior to the course, Rachel worked in the charity sector and interacted homeless adults, with refugees and asylum seekers, substance misuse and vulnerable young people. During this time, Rachel worked with social workers and always admired their level of impact and professionalism.

“I decided to train to become a Social Worker as I was determined to build up to the next steps in my career, in a space where I would hold a professional qualification and have a wealth of opportunities to progress.” – says Rachel.

But the journey to become a social worker hasn’t been easy, as Rachel started her training during the pandemic and is part of the ‘Corona cohort’. But that didn’t stop her or other peers for supporting each throughout the difficulties of the pandemic. “Other students within the cohort have been an invaluable support to me, offering advice and empathy throughout the difficulties of 2020.” She also received great support from her tutor, “I have learned so much over the programme, with teaching periods perfectly complimenting placement learning”.

Rachel said the programme at Islington “offers a wealth of training opportunities for Social Workers, and is highly inclusive to students in their borough. Islington has been rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted, and this is reflected in its use of research and commitment to development within Social Work practice, but also in its high retention rate of its staff.”

If you’re interested in the Step up to Social Work Programme, Rachel offers some advice “keep an open mind about the kind of Social Work that you would like to do – my ideas have changed after gaining more experience and building my confidence.”

To find out more about the course and how you can apply, visit Islington Council Step Up to Social Work page.