Children's Services Social Work Trainee Scheme
About the scheme and how to apply
The Social Work Trainee scheme was introduced in 2004. Since then there has been an intake of trainees every year. We recruit a mixture of undergraduates and graduates to study for either the BSc or MSc in Social Work. Trainees also spend time working in a variety of social work settings within Children Services and Adult Social Services. University tuition fees are paid by the Council and Trainees receive a salary, currently within the range of £22,626 to £24,501. The Children's Services Training and Workforce Development Team offer ongoing support throughout the period of the traineeship.
Arrangements for 2010
Recruitment for 2010 has has already taken place. This information will be updated once the arrangements for 2011 are confirmed.
How we adverstise vacancies
Trainee vacancies are advertised on the Council's website and in the national press. However, in some years recruitment is only open to staff already working for Wandsworth Council. This is in keeping with our commitment to support and train existing staff.
Experience needed before you apply
If you are considering applying, you should be aware that you will need to be able to demonstrate previous experience of direct work with children and families in a multi-racial social care setting in either a paid or voluntary capacity, for example working in a residential setting, a school or nursery.
Further information on social work and related careers
You can get information on careers and training in social work from the social care careers website at www.socialworkandcare.co.uk or you can call their recruitment hotline on 0845 604 6404.
The General Social Care Council (GSCC - website www.gscc.org.uk) also has a website with useful information on education and training, including a list of approved universities for the new degree in social work.
Our recruitment policy
Wandsworth Council is an equal opportunity employer. This means that every job applicant is given an equal chance when they are considered for jobs. Because of this, we do not maintain waiting lists of potential applicants or accept CVs. All our job vacancies are advertised and applications are only accepted from people who respond directly to an advert.
All job vacancies are advertised on Wandsworth's recruitment website. We may also advertise in Community Care, The Guardian, the local press and similar publications.
