Calling all Social workers

[babyunderblanket]

Just been reading the thread about SS failings and the SW bashing is thoroughly depressing but equally troublesome is the testimony from SW about their role, the state of the sector, the truly awful working conditions and number of experienced staff leaving in droves.

I'm looking to apply for either the 'Step up to Social Work' 14 month postgrad qualification or degree apprenticeship. Am I mad? I volunteer supporting vulnerable families/early years children but otherwise have no real experience but not sure what else I can do alongside needing to earn a living & currently working in a totally different role. It's something I've been wanting to do for years and can finally dedicate the time & afford a career break to make it a reality but do worry about entering the sector when it's on its knees.

Any advice.

I think go for it. The sector needs more dedicated, caring professionals.

Please go for it. Step Up is a great program but very intensive, the profession is heavily overworked and underresourced, but we still desperately need people to do it!

It's like every thread on here and about teachers and nurses- it's all the same- terrible working conditions, leaving in droves etc- yet people still train up and do it. Imagine our country if we had no social workers.

If you're compassionate and resilient, then do it.