Graduate Social Care Trainee Scheme
Barnet's Children's Service recruitment to their successful Graduate Social Care Trainee Scheme is now open for 2010. Please click the link above for an application pack and further details. Closing date for applications is 28th May 2010.
The scheme is delivered in partnership with Middlesex University, a Centre of Excellence in Learning and Teaching Mental Health and Social Work. The successful applicants will join a strong group of current Barnet graduates working in child and family social work.
Whether you're a recent graduate or a professional with a degree looking for a career change, it's an exceptional opportunity with great prospects. After working as a trainee social care worker for two years, assessing needs and providing practical and supportive services to vulnerable children and families, Barnet will support you in applying for the MA and fund all your course fees. And following completion of the MA, you'll be required to work for Barnet as a fully qualified social worker for a minimum of two years.
For up to date developments please visit our register page and enter your details.
If you have any questions please take a look at the Frequently asked questions below:
1. Is there the opportunity to take unpaid workplacements?
No
2. I don't have a degree but I have other qualifications, can I still apply?
Sorry, all applicants must have a first degree with a minimum classification of lower second-class honours or above.
3. I have a first degree in a subject not directly related to social work (e.g. Applied Physics or Ancient Civilizations) can I still apply?
Yes, a first degree in any subject with a 2:2 or above is acceptable.
4. I have a degree but I'm not a recent graduate. I graduated some years ago and want a career change. Can I still apply?
Yes, your application is welcome whenever you graduated, whether you are a more recent graduate, a more 'mature' graduate or returning to work following parenting responsibilities.
5. I have very little experience in work with children and families or with vulnerable adults, should I still apply?
Yes, you are welcome to apply but it would strengthen your application if you can refer to paid or voluntary work experience in the caring professions. This may include voluntary work in your community, university or place of worship.
6. I don't have GSCE qualifications in Maths and English, what sort of tests will I sit?
If you are short-listed for interview you will sit two short tests in each subject equivalent to GSCE grade C standard. Each test will last approximately one hour.
GCSE revision guides are available from most bookshops.
7. Where in Barnet will I be working?
You will be based in Whetstone in Barnet, but you may be required to work in any other place of employment in the Authority's service.
8. Which university will I attend?
You will attend Middlesex University in Archway.
9. How will I know if I have been shortlisted?
If you have been shortlisted you will be invited for interview within three weeks of the closing date. If you do not hear from us within that time period you should presume you have not been shortlisted. Unfortunately, we are unable to give feedback to candidates who are not shortlisted.
10. If I am appointed to one of the trainee posts in Barnet when would I start work?
It is anticipated that candidates will commence employment in September although this is conditional on all pre-employment checks being completed.
11. I am a final year student, expecting to achieve a Bachelors level degree in June this year. Can I still apply?
You would be eligible to apply for this scheme this year. If appointed, your appointment would then be subject to your achieving a 2:ii or above when you graduate in June.
If you have a question that is not covered by the 'Frequently Asked Questions' please e-mail the details of your query to sharedservicesrecruitment@barnet.gov.uk
We are committed to the protection of children. All applicants will be interviewed in line with our safer recruitment policy and the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced CRB check.
