This report examines pathways into the social work profession. Where most research on this subject examine why students choose social work as a profession, this study is unique in the way it examines the barriers to students becoming social workers. The report details findings from engagement with students in the UCD social care and social policy programmes and a number of social work courses. Specifically, it explores participants perspectives on social work education, their perception of the motivations and challenges in joining the profession, and what can be done to attract more candidates. Following from these findings and drawing upon important research that has recently been conducted in this area, the report calls for a national strategy for the profession of social work. The findings help inform issues associated with the provision of social work education in Ireland, and how these are related to workforce planning and retention of social workers within the workforce.

Professionally qualified social workers operate in a diverse range of settings such as child and family services, mental health and medical settings, probation, youth services, and within the community in the context of public health, primary care, housing, and addiction services. A smaller number practice in less familiar settings such as the armed forces, corporate settings, and the technology sector. Many are employed in public settings that usually offer standardised terms and conditions. Pay scales are publicly available and social workers are employed on a range of full-time, part-time, workshare, and contracted bases. 

Key messages:

• Professional social work encompasses a broad range of settings and practice areas each with individual needs.
• Social work qualifications are generic and allow for employment in any social work practice area.
• There are a range of education providers with similar entry requirements.
• Provision of robust social work practice placements and the expense of social work education are challenging issues facing the market and education providers.