Vacancy overview

The Step Up to Social Work programme is a unique opportunity to receive support whilst you train for a new career in social work. On the 15-month training programme, you will receive hands-on experience of working in real-life social work teams. Once you’ve successfully completed the course, you’ll be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work, enabling you to apply to register and practice as a social worker.

We are looking for dedicated individuals who have experience of working with vulnerable children, young people, families or vulnerable adults and who can demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience. We encourage applications from a diverse range of candidates and aim to have a workforce that represents the society we serve.

The programme is delivered locally in a choice of Boroughs including Barking and Dagenham, Bromley, Havering, Lambeth, Newham, Redbridge, Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest. The academic programme is delivered by London Metropolitan University.

• A minimum 2:2 degree qualification (level 6), in any subject (or predicted if you are a final year student).
• GCSEs in English or English Language at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above, or an approved equivalent.
• A minimum of 6 months full-time (or equivalent) experience of working with children, young people, families, carers or vulnerable adults, either in a paid or voluntary capacity. 
• You will need to show all of your original certificates to us as part of the application and assessment process.

• A minimum 2:2 degree qualification (level 6), in any subject (or predicted if you are a final year student).
• GCSEs in English or English Language at grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above, or an approved equivalent.
• You will need to show all of your original certificates to us as part of the application and assessment process.

The programme covers:

• The full cost of your university tuition fees on the programme
• A tax-free bursary of £21,995 paid over the duration of the programme to support you during your training.

The programme will start in January 2026 and runs until March 2027.