THURROCK Council has announced its participation in the Step Up to Social Work programme, working together with the Eastern Regional Partnership to support aspiring social workers.

The partnership works in collaboration with local authorities, schools, multi-academy trusts and teaching school across the eastern region and beyond, to provide SEND professionals access to a comprehensive suite of training programmes.

Step Up to Social Work is an intensive 14-month, full-time programme designed for talented graduates and career changers who are passionate about becoming child and family social workers but do not have a social work degree. Successful applicants will train through a combination of academic study and hands-on experience within a local authority, with financial support provided throughout the programme.

Participants will receive a bursary of £21,995 over the course of their training to help with living costs, as well as full coverage of training expenses. The programme aims to attract candidates with a range of experience working with vulnerable children, young people, families, or adults, and who can demonstrate emotional resilience and the potential to succeed in a challenging but highly rewarding career.

Cllr Vikki Hartstean, cabinet member for children's services at Thurrock Council, said: "We are thrilled to be part of the Step Up to Social Work programme which gives people the opportunity to change their lives while making a real difference in our community. Social work is one of the most important professions, supporting children and families during their most vulnerable moments. This programme offers a unique opportunity for committed individuals to gain the skills and experience they need to start a meaningful career with us at Thurrock Council."

The programme, backed by the Department for Education, aims to support 700 individuals nationally to qualify as social workers by 2026, equipping them with the knowledge, experience, and confidence to begin a fulfilling career. This will be the ninth cohort of the programme, which has already successfully trained over 2,900 social workers since its launch in 2010.

Isabelle Trowler, the government's chief social worker for children and families, added: "It is excellent to see the quality of the hundreds of graduates who qualify as social workers through the Step Up programme and encouraging to see them start out on a long-term career in social work.

"Our profession is highly challenging but highly rewarding, and Step Up is developing a highly skilled workforce ready to make a genuine positive impact on people's lives."

Applications for the Step Up to Social Work programme are now open. For more information on eligibility criteria and how to apply, visit the Step Up to Social Work website.