I want to get into community services and become a social worker. Whilst researching about it online I’ve come across conflicting information.
Is a TAFE certificate enough, or is a bachelor degree better? I have 2 kids under 2, so currently a TAFE certificate would be the easier option for now.
Can anyone who has this job (or similar community service work) provide feedback on what you do, what it’s like ect. Not sure if I’ve got more then the ‘romanticised’ version of what it would be like in my head. How hard is it to get a job? I’m looking on the job sites for Canberra and not coming up with much
7 Replies
You will need a Bachelor degree. Most jobs especially those within government organisations want a Bachelor in Social Work or Psychology. The TAFE Diploma will give you credit into a Bachelor degree but that’s about it. Very few employers employ people with just a Diploma. Don’t waste your time with TAFE. Bite the bullet and enrol at Uni even if it is part time. I have just completed my first year in a Bachelor of Counselling and have discovered that there is very little in the way of jobs for those with this degree as most employers want those with Social Work or Psych degrees so I have swapped to Social Work from next year. There will always be work for social workers.
Tafe will get you into community services but to be a social worker you need a degree.
I'd start with your cert 3 in youth and community services first, that'll give you a feel for the industry.
For social work you will need a sociology and psychology degree I'm pretty sure, my friend is a social worker who works in the child protection sector and those are the qualifications she spent a gruelling 4 years at uni to obtain. I won't lie though, social work (from things my friend has told me) is not for the faint of heart.
Going with the Tafe option now is a foot in the door and gets you valuable experience, once your kids are at school committing to uni will be easier if you still want to go down that path, or you may find you're happy to stay in the youth work field.
Tafe is a waste of time.
Rubbish!
Tafe offers heaps of opportunities, working towards a goal is never a waste of time!
My two best friends are both in youth work . They both work for the same company .
However , one did a TAFE course and landed a much lower role with less pay and all night shift work .
The other did a bachelor degree and got the management role at the same company with a higher pay and day work.
It definitely matters where you study as in this line of work , a University degree will get you way higher up the ladder than a TAFE course of a similar nature . You get what you pay for and on paper , uni degrees are way more prestigious than a TAFE course .
Maybe start with TAFE and use it as a pathway for the degree.