How to become a social work assistant
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
College
You can do a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, which may help when you look for work.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You could do an apprenticeship in care or youth work to get experience of working with vulnerable adults, children or young people.
Apprenticeships relevant to this role include:
- Level 2 Adult care worker
- Level 3 Youth support worker
- Level 4 Children, young people and families practitioner
- Level 4 Early intervention practitioner
With experience you may be able to progress to a social worker degree apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
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Volunteering
You could get experience by volunteering, which will give you an advantage with course and job applications.
Direct Application
You could apply directly after getting experience in a care role, like a care worker or a healthcare assistant in a:
- hospital
- hospice
- care home
- children's home
You'll usually need a GCSE in English for this route.
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Career tips
Experience of caring within your own family or community can help you get into this job.
Further information
You can find out more about careers in adult social care from Think Care Careers.