Switch to Social Work Gears up for Its Second Year!

As the end of 2024 approaches, we celebrate the progress of the first cohort in the Switch to Social Work trial program, providing a pathway for aspiring social workers to transition into the child and family services sector.

Participants are currently engaged in their first field placements, gaining hands-on experience as part of their academic qualification.

Switch to Social Work

Switch to Social Work is an employment-based Master of Social Work (Child and Family Practice) program designed to address skill and workforce shortages within the child and family services sector. The program, delivered in collaboration with the Victorian Government, the Centre for Excellence in Child and Family Welfare, community service organisations, and La Trobe University, aims to support the future of social work in Victoria.

Hands-on Learning

Throughout 2024, participants have been engaged in 30 days of work experience with their Host Organisations, familiarising themselves with their organisation and the services provided. Both participants and host organisations have noted the early benefits of this experience, highlighting its impact on the participant’s understanding of the sector and their preparedness for full-time roles.

Transitioning from Learning to Employment

As we look ahead to 2025, participants will transition to full-time employment within their Host Organisations, applying the knowledge and skills they have developed over the past year.

The program includes 59 individuals across La Trobe University’s Bundoora, Bendigo, and Mildura campuses and is partnered with 16 Host Organisations throughout Victoria.

Empowering Future Social Workers

The Switch to Social Work program is equipping participants with the necessary academic qualifications alongside a strong foundation of work-ready experience and skills.

The program fosters a connection to the community and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of children and families; it also demonstrates the effectiveness of collaboration between industry, government, and the academic sector to bring innovative thinking to tackle workforce skill gaps.

We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our first cohort and anticipates the positive impact they will continue to make in the field of social work.

As we prepare to welcome the participants into their second year, we remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of social workers who will support children and families across Victoria.