Qualifying as a social worker is a huge achievement and the first step into this challenging, yet rewarding profession. This year, we caught up with a few of the 267 recent graduates from our region to find out what made them choose social work, and hear their hopes for their future careers. The result is a really interesting snapshot of what it’s like to study social work. We look forward to seeing what our newly qualified colleagues achieve over the course of their careers!

What inspired you to become a children’s social worker?

Social workers often realise the profession might be a good fit as a result of personal experiences which help them to discover a passion for supporting and advocating for vulnerable or disadvantaged people. Our new cohort spoke about some of the experiences that made them choose social work:

 “I’ve always loved helping and supporting people and working in a crisis. I have always had an interest in working with mental health seeing people who have had adverse childhood experiences. I felt myself wanting to intervene at an earlier stage with children to prevent that and work with parents who have struggled and helping them overcome this.” (Lizzie, Barnsley)

“I was previously a Headteacher of a primary school during the COVID pandemic.  Working with families and children who were suffering social and financial distress in regards to their education was a given before COVID. During and after the pandemic it became apparent to me that I loved working with those who were most in need.  The expectations of the government post COVID for the children to meet educational milestones, despite the trauma and lack of education during the lockdowns, made me realise that my calling was in social care and not education.” (Julie, North Yorkshire) 

“I feel having grown up in a deprived area, surrounded by poverty, crime, substance misuse, and there being little to no opportunities for children. This was my motivation in becoming a social worker, to support children and their families, to ensure they know that no matter where they reside, or what life throws at them, with a little bit of direction and support, the opportunities available to them are endless!” (Holly, Wakefield)

“My journey to becoming a child social worker was profoundly influenced by my experiences working with vulnerable young girls suffering from vesico-vaginal fistula. Witnessing their struggles and the lack of a platform for their voices deeply moved me and ignited a passion within me to advocate for children who are often overlooked and unheard. This experience underscored the importance of providing support and a voice to those who are marginalized.” (Mary, Leeds)

What was it like to study social work?

Social work courses are highly varied and can be challenging. Students typically find themselves balancing academic study with practice, with a strong focus on developing skills for practice:

“Overall, the course was challenging! However, I feel it needs to be to prepare students for the reality of social work. Whilst it was challenging, there was no better feeling that viewing your results and seeing the positive feedback on your assignments. That makes it all worthwhile. I feel reading this reinforced my belief in my ability, that I was able to do it, and do it well!” (Holly, Wakefield)

“The program’s emphasis on real-world experience through placements allowed me to apply my learning in various settings, enhancing my skills and confidence as a social worker. These hands-on experiences were crucial in preparing me for the complexities of the field, particularly in working with children and young people.” (Mary, Leeds,) 

“I really enjoyed doing my degree. Placements were a useful experience to put the theory into practice. On the course I was always very open to learning about the adult side of things as well as children as I felt it would all contribute to my career and give me a wide variety of knowledge and skills.” (Lizzie, Barnsley)

What is it like to do a social work placement while studying?

Social work placements are a vital opportunity for students to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Our newly qualified social workers highlighted the chance to learn from experienced professionals and the sense of validation and confidence that a good placement can bring:

 “The placements were fantastic. Initially I did panic when thinking about future roles that I didn’t have local authority children’s placement experience, but I realised I had gained tons of skills and experience that I will bring to this role.” (Lizzie, Barnsley)

“I enjoyed my placements thoroughly. Having studied for two years before going on placement, I was so eager! There were so many learning opportunities available to me, including attending training at the Learning Academy. It was brilliant to see how each social worker practiced, and to be able to see the good practice for myself.” (Holly, Wakefield)

“Working in an extremely busy assessment and intervention team on placement definitely gave me a good basic skill set and equipped me with lots of tips for managing workload effectively once qualified.  My contrasting placement was amazing in Adults with Learning Disabilities and I would definitely consider this as a role in the future.” (Julie, North Yorkshire)

“My placement experiences were incredibly enriching and formative in my journey as a children’s social worker…The mentorship and support I received from my peers, managers, colleagues and the learning academy were crucial in developing my confidence and competence as a child social worker, enabling me to make a meaningful impact in the lives of the children and families I serve.” (Mary, Leeds)

How did you feel when you got the news you had passed?

“I felt overwhelmed, and I was somewhat in disbelief. Having grown up in a deprived area and having a poor experience at secondary school. I could not believe that “little old me” who was labelled at school as the stereotypical “naughty child who would amount to nothing” at school, had graduated university with a first-class degree! It is by far my biggest achievement to date.”  (Holly, Wakefield)

"It was a profoundly fulfilling moment that reaffirmed my passion for the field and my determination to continue advocating for and supporting those in need… This journey is just beginning, and I am enthusiastic about the positive impact I can make in my community.” (Mary, Leeds)

“I felt a huge sense of relief. I did shed a tear; I felt such a sense of accomplishment and excitement for what is going to come.” (Lizzie, Barnsley)

 

What are you looking forward to the most now that you are qualified?

After qualifying, the next phase of becoming a social worker is to take on your first role and complete your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE), which allows you to continue developing the practical skills and experience you need, with reflective supervision and a protected caseload. For our newly qualified social workers, having a chance to begin making a positive difference to children and families was the key thing to look forward to at this stage in their career: 

“As a newly qualified social worker, I am most looking forward to applying my skills and knowledge to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families. I am eager to engage directly with those in need, providing support, advocacy, and interventions that can help them overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.” (Mary, Leeds) 

“I am looking forward to completing my ASYE and progressing as a social worker. As this will enable me to support the upcoming social workers. I continue to look forward to working with children and their families, working restoratively with them to achieve the best outcomes for the families.” (Holly, Wakefield)

 “I am very much looking forward to feeling like a social worker and doing what I’ve been studying for. Having my own case load, being part of a team, part of the hustle and bustle and being able to contribute. It’s different every day which I love, and I can’t wait to see the small wins, and seeing how decisions can make a positive difference to children and their families.” (Lizzie, Barnsley)