All careers
Care
Social Care Worker → Social Worker
Support people to live safely and independently, from care work to qualified social work.
Key skills
EmpathyAdvocacyResilienceListening
Ways in
Straight into workApprenticeshipUniversity
Typical prerequisites
- Care work: entry-level with training
- Social work: degree or apprenticeship + SWE registration
Alternative routes
- Occupational therapy
- Support worker
- Youth work
Route milestones
- 1
Care worker
Around year 0–2
- 2
Social work degree / apprenticeship
Around year 2–5
- 3
Qualified social worker
Around year 5
- 4
Senior practitioner / manager
Around year 8+
Progression: Care worker → senior carer / social worker → team manager.
Indicative pay bands
Starting out£22,000 – £25,000
Experienced£33,000 – £42,000
Senior / top end£45,000 – £65,000
Indicative example estimates compiled October 2026 for planning conversations only. Pay varies by region, employer, sector and hours. Always verify with official sources such as the National Careers Service.
Verify on National Careers ServiceContribution & impact
Protects and empowers people at their most vulnerable.