Social Work Trainee - Graduate Trainee Scheme / Shortened Pathway

Exciting opportunities for graduates to train for a career in Social Work.

The UEA (University of East Anglia) is one of the most highly regarded centres in the UK (United Kingdom) and is internationally renowned for its leading role in Social Work education and research. Together, UEA and SCC (Suffolk County Council) are offering opportunities for graduates to undertake either the Graduate Trainee Scheme (3 years) or the Shortened pathway (2 years) to gain an MA (Master of Arts) in Social Work.

Graduate Trainee Scheme for 3 years

To apply for this route, you will:

• need to be a graduate or expecting to graduate, with a good degree at 2.1 or 2:2 with substantial relevant work experience will be considered and interested in training for a career in Social Work
• have experience of working with young children, families or adults in need of care or support but need to add to it before training
• have a minimum of English at Grade C/4 and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or functional skills Mathematics level 2 or above
• have sufficient experience of working with young children, families or adults in need of care or support- a minimum of 6 months experience either in previous employment, voluntary work or personally
• have a full UK driving licence and have access to personal transport (driving is an essential requirement of the role).

If successful on selection/interview you will be offered a paid pre-qualified Graduate Trainee post with a social care adult or children and young people’s team at SCC for 12 months starting September 2024. Subject to satisfactory performance in this work, you will be offered a place on the 2 year UEA's MA in Social Work programme in September 2025.

Shortened Pathway for 2 years - Open to internal applicants (SCC staff) only.

This is an opportunity for graduates already working in Children and Young People's Service (CYP) or Adult and Community Services (ACS) who are employed in SCC.

Social Work Practice placements for both years will be arranged by SCC. This will be a 70-day placement in the first year and a 100-day placement in the second year.

To apply for this route, you will:

• need to have worked for SCC for at least 18 months at the time of application
• need your current role to involve direct contact with children, young people and parents or vulnerable adults in a frontline role
• need to have a first degree completed in the last five years at grade 2:1 or above. If you fall outside of this time frame, then you will need to show evidence of recent study. (2:2 grade may be considered if experience is substantial and relevant)
• have a minimum of English at Grade C/4 and Mathematics at Grade C/4 or functional skills Mathematics level 2 or above
• have discussed this with your line manager.

• Whilst studying at UEA, you will be able to apply for an NHS bursary to help meet part of the cost of fees and living expenses. In addition, SCC will provide a retainer of £7,200 for each year of the MA.

You will need to sign a retainer, as an agreement between SCC and yourself, that you will return to work in one of our frontline children or adult social care teams (with the Directorate that has sponsored you) for a minimum of 2 years on successful completion of the course and successful job interview.

• Please note there are no guarantees of receiving an NHS bursary and it will be the applicant’s responsibility to cover any shortfall of the university fees to UEA from the bursary amount awarded.

To find out more

To discuss the programme, please contact Sarah Hope,ACS and CYP Workforce Development, by calling 01502 674683 or emailing sarah.hope@suffolk.gov.uk

How to apply

Please request an application form by emailing ug.admissions@uea.ac.uk

Please write in the email subject line either ‘Graduate Trainee Scheme 3 year – SWK' or alternatively ‘Shortened Pathway 2 year – SWK’.

For queries about the application process please contact the UEA by either calling 01603 591515 or emailingug.admissions@uea.ac.uk

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 26 April 2024.