Graduate entry

Launch your Social Work career with confidence

Our pioneering two-year Graduate Entry Training Scheme (GETS) offers Newly Qualified Social Workers the opportunity to accelerate their learning and experience in an Outstanding Local Authority. GETS is unique to Hampshire County Council and will afford you an insight into the structure and practice of an Outstanding service provider.

You will have your own dedicated Practice Educator who will be allocated to you for the complete two-year programme, supporting you alongside your Team Manager
Capped caseloads increasing in complexity as you progress through the year
Be part of a cohort of other NQSWs
A full and varied induction period
22 development days
Bespoke Legal Training

Year 2: Professional Development Year: Elevate your skills and confidence

Continued Practice Educator support to build on the knowledge and skills gained during your ASYE with tailored learning opportunities
Further develop your social work career with ongoing support and training including seven key training sessions
Reduced caseloads
Practice Educator led reflective supervisions
Remain linked to your cohort, network and grow together with opportunities to share your learning and experiences with a wider network of peers. Rely on their support as you advance in your career.

"There are several unique elements to it, like the training you get at the start. There are really clear benchmarks for progression.”

Applications

We are not currently accepting applications for Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) positions in Children’s Services. If you are interested in similar opportunities, including Family Practitioner roles, please visit our careers site.

Children's Social Work jobs

Please check back later in the year for updates on how the Government’s Early Career Development Programme (ECDP), launching in September 2027, will impact NQSWs joining our Graduate Entry Training Scheme from 2027 onwards.

Questions about our 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?

From April 2025 the salary for full time employees is £36,369 plus a market supplement of £6,000 per annum for the duration of your ASYE.

*Please note that the quoted salary will be increased in line with any agreed pay awards from April 2026 – March 2027.

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 advise us of the districts they would be willing to work within.

Specific team 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?

We are unable to offer work sponsorship for the role of Newly Qualified Social Worker.

If you are studying for your Social Work degree in the UK on a student visa, once you have successfully completed your course, you may be interested in obtaining a Graduate Visa.

Applications from NQSWs who hold a current UK Graduate Visa will be accepted.

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 gained your Social Work degree within the last 3 years and never been employed as a Social Worker, then you may apply for the role of Newly Qualified Social Worker.

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).

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