The Queen’s University Social Work Careers Event made a welcome in-person return to campus this week, just before our final year students embarked on their last placement. We had a fantastic turnout, with 85% of students from the Social Work programme at the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work (SSESW) joining the event.

Speakers covered a range of relevant topics. A representative from the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) talked about the Assessed Year in Employment (AYE) for graduates in their first year working as social workers. Anne Campbell (SSESW) gave an overview of post-qualifying training at the School of SSESW. Carmel McManus provided information on the University’s Careers Service and social work recruitment in the voluntary sector. Lee Wilson explored recruitment and interviews in the Health and Social Care Trusts. 

Students were able to grab a slice of pizza and walk around the information stands of numerous employers representing the statutory and voluntary sectors. Students welcomed the opportunity to ask employers questions and to gain a better sense of social work employment. The event was a fantastic success, with students gaining knowledge on how to apply successfully for a post in social work, undertake their AYE and to take advantage of post-qualifying learning.

Patricia Carlisle (Social Work) commented: “There was a great buzz in the Peter Froggatt Centre as students and employers engaged. It was exciting to see the next wave of social work students getting ready for employment.”