Graduate Entry Training Scheme – Frequently Asked Questions
If you have any questions about our Graduate Entry Training scheme which aren’t answered below, please email [email protected] and a member of the team will be in touch.
Please explain the difference between the salary and a market supplement because I want to get a mortgage
A salary is a fixed amount of money paid to an employee by HCC in return for work performed. Salary is paid on the last working day of the month and is equal to one-twelfth of the annual salary (minus deductions).
Market supplements are temporary, additional payments paid where a particular skill, specialism or qualification attracts a higher rate of pay in the labour market than is attributed to the HCC role. Any changes to the Market supplements will be provided to the employee in writing in advance.
What is the starting salary?
£35,241 with a market supplement of £2,000 raising to £39,382 after successful completion of your ASYE
How much annual leave do I get?
Annual leave runs 1 April to 31 March each year; current entitlement is 25 days per annum for NQSWs new to Hampshire County Council.
Is part-time work available?
Currently, all NQSWs are employed on a full-time 37-hour contract. It is necessary for all NQSWs to work full-time during the initial induction (month one) due to the intensive nature of the learning activities provided.
Once the induction period has been completed it may be possible to amend your contract to part-time hours for reasons such as a declared disability (this is not guaranteed).
Please discuss at interview, if you wish us to investigate if a part-time position is available.
What are the hours of work?
Full-time hours are 37 per week, Monday to Thursday 08:30 – 17:00 with 1 hour for lunch, with a shorter day on Friday 08:30 – 16:30.
Where will I be working?
During the induction you will be based in Winchester. When you join your team you will be district based. All candidates are asked to select three districts that they are prepared to work in, in order of preference. Specific team and district requests are not possible as the scheme operates throughout all of Hampshire Children's Services.
I do not have a full UK driving licence, can I apply for GETS?
You can apply and be interviewed for a position on GETS if you hold a provisional licence and are undertaking driving lessons. However, we are only able to hold your position for a maximum of 6 months. You will not be able to commence your position until you have obtained your full UK driving licence and have access to a car.
Reasonable adjustment exceptions will be considered for a declared disability.
I require sponsorship to work in the UK, can I apply to GETS?
If you are studying for your SW degree in the UK on a student visa, you can apply and be interviewed for a position on GETS. Once your education provider has advised the Home Office that you have successfully completed your course, you will need to apply for a Graduate Visa. You will not be able to commence your position until your graduate visa has been granted.
I qualified more than 2 years ago but have never worked as a Social Worker. Can I complete my ASYE and apply to GETS?
Yes, if you have never worked as a Social Worker, then you may apply for a position as an NQSW on GETS. However, you may not receive an ASYE completion certificate from Skills for Care once you finish your ASYE. You will receive an email from us confirming you have completed your ASYE.
Is there a relocation allowance for Social Workers to come onto the GETS programme?
Not currently, however the role does attract a market supplement of £2,000.
Is there any additional financial support to complete the GETS programme in “expensive” parts of Hampshire?
Not currently, but in recognition of market pay rates, you will be appointed to the top step of the Grade for this post (Grade E).