Government Demands Social Workers Upskill

Government Demands Social Workers Upskill

Recent government interest in the social services sector has led to an urgent need for the training and upskilling of those working in social services.

The Social Workers Registration Bill establishes a system of professional registration for social workers and monitors the minimum standards required for anyone working within the social services. Not only does this demand formal training for all those entering this sector, it also means those currently working in social services will need formal training to be able to continue.

The government is setting deadlines for these formal qualifications, but Waiariki Institute of Technology is already feeling the impact through increased demand for its social sciences courses. In fact demand is so urgent that they are running their “Certificate in Community and Social Work” course for a second time this year at Mokoia Campus in Rotorua, starting on July 21st.

“Such courses are an ideal route to higher education for mature students who need upskilling but do not have the formal qualifications required for direct entry into degree courses,” according to Gill Brocas, Acting Head of School, Social Sciences and Education at Waiariki Institute of Technology. “In fact, completing the “Certificate in Community and Social Work” is a stepping stone to a range of careers. Graduates of this course have gone on to careers, not only in counselling and social work, but also, with further training, in law and teaching. The Certificate is an entry qualification to the Bachelor of Applied Social Science which will be recognised by the Social Workers Registration Board.”

The Certificate in Community and Social Work is a full time course lasting one year. Both Maori and non-Maori approaches are considered throughout all modules. Anyone wishing to enrol or know more about any of the social sciences courses held at Waiariki Institute should contact Mandy Hunt on 346 8886.

Editor’s Notes Waiariki was established in 1978 and is this year celebrating its 25th Anniversary. It is one of New Zealand’s largest provincial tertiary institutes, with over 6,000 full-time and part-time students at campuses in Rotorua, Taupo, Tokoroa and Whakatane.

Course Information Hariata Kohunui School of Social Sciences Waiariki Institute of Technology Tel: 07 346 8836 Email: hariata.kohunui@waiariki.ac.nz

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