I want to train to be a Social Worker - where do I start?

[thenewme]

Anyone? TIA.

Do you have A levels?

An ex b/f of mine is in his final year of a social work degree. He had no A levels so did a years access course then applied for the social work course. I think it's quite competitive as there's a bursary attached. Do you have an idea where you want to study/who offers the course?

UCAS is a good place to start for Uni courses, look at your local adult education college if you need an access course.

Exbf had to get some work experience with vulnerable people too IIRC.

hth Good luck.

I have just emailed my local Social Services to ask what I can do to help and also to ask them how I could train.

Thanks for your info.

I don't have A levels. I had to leave college early. Ideally I would prefer to be able to do the studying at home as I have a child at home still.

Hi thenew you!! Only a little advice, I went back into education at 27, and did my degree without any a levels or other education. If you are over 21 you are classed as a mature student so life experience counts instead of the usual path. Google your area, find out who does the course and ring them, simple as that, dont be scared, just jump in both feet! Good luck,

Thank you. I am well over 21!!

Application is through UCAS to social work degree courses. Entry is competitive for some courses

You need A-levels or an access course.

A good way of getting onto a course, and to be paid a reasonable wage to study, is via a trainee social worker post. Basically, councils employ you as a trainee SW, and fund your studies, in return for you working for them on completion of the course. Vacancies are normally advertised on local council websites

x-posted.

in terms of studying at home, the OU do offer a course, but you are still expected to attend workshops. You also need to consider childcare to cover your placements, when you will effectively be working full-time outside of the home.

Lots of universities have good, well-priced nurseries though.