WORCESTERSHIRE County Council is offering people the chance to break in to social work.

The council is offering four graduate training places for people interested in becoming a qualified Children and Families Social Worker.

Step Up to Social Work is a government funded, intensive full-time training programme that covers everything for graduate level trainee social workers over a 14 month period.

As well as paid course fees, benefits include a tax free bursary over £19,000 to cover living costs over the duration of the programme.

Jill Stevens, principal social worker with the council, said: "The County Council has continued to invest in developing and supporting it's social workers. This can be a challenging area to work in yet it is also hugely rewarding. We hope that this will be an attractive route into a rewarding career that can make a real difference for positive outcomes for children and families."

Applications must be in by May 1.

To find out about the full terms, conditions and criteria, visit www.stepuptosocialwork.co.uk, or call 01782 231968.