Learning mentor / social work
 

Hi,

I hope this is in the right place, I wasn't sure where else to post it. I really would appreciate some advice.

I've just finished my level 3 TA course and I have applied for a social work masters degree (i was advised it would be a good route to take) I have an entry exam next Tuesday which I'm really nervous about. However I'm now having a lot of doubts and think it's probably been the wrong thing to go into for what I want to do. I want to help people and be a learning mentor. Whether that be in primary schools, college (LSS) etc, I don't mind. I have a strong interest in mental health too and love to listen and help people.
Im worried that the social work degree is more down the domestic side of it all and fostering, abuse etc which is not what I want to work in. It's such a big commitment to take on a masters degree and more debt for it to turn out its the wrong choice.

Do you think its enough with what i have experience wise with the Level 3 course, I have a Ba hons (design) degree and good communication skills- can I get into a learning mentor role based on this and work/train up further throughout?
I'm also about to start a mental health awareness short course next month and I'm looking into a helping skills course and hopefully a mentoring one. I'm thinking more towards building up skills with short courses, trying to volunteer etc and get into it all from that rather than the masters? What do you think would be best or has anyone got any experience of social work?

thanks

who advised you that sw is anything to do with mentoring? it is all about making sure law is enacted with safeguarding and protection maybe you need to look at youth work instead. i was a sw for years and don't think i had the time to encourage let alone mentor i was in court all the time!

Hi, welcome to the site, I'd use your currently qualifications & experience to checkout the classifieds and the minimum requirements employers are looking for & maybe contact known schools directly.

Learning mentor details on national careers service & level 5 on OCR

Best wishes with decisions