Frequently Asked Questions

Work experience, paid or voluntary, can help you get a job. It can also improve an application when applying to college and university. We’ve included some more help and ideas about this on the careers website.

Employers may employ you without work experience if you demonstrate strong values and a positive attitude. There’s a great quiz called A Question of Care which you can use to test your values. You can even print off a personal profile to help you prepare for interviews.

No, however some employers may need to employ people who are over 18.

Modern apprenticeships are available for people from age 16.

If you are under 18 and want to volunteer there may be services which are more suitable because there will be staff available to guide you. For example, day care services, activity clubs and sports clubs. We’ve put some links to helpful organisations on the careers website.

Whatever your role and level of experience our Learning Zone has apps and resources to help you develop your confidence. They’re all completely free.

The Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) is the professional regulator for social service workers. We publish Codes of Practice and make sure people on the Register are trusted, skilled and confident.

We know that most social service workers are following the Code of Practice, however if they don’t we may need to investigate and take action. We do this to protect the people who use services.

Go to our main website to find out more.

This will depend on your job, however most people who work in social services (including support workers, supervisors and managers) will register with us. Our website has more information about who can register, the benefits of registration and the responsibilities of registered workers and their employers.

The social service workforce is diverse and employers are looking for people with a range of lived experiences. Whatever your experience, to be on our Register you need to demonstrate that you currently meet the standards of character, conduct and competence necessary to do your job safely and effectively. Go to our website to find out more about Fitness of Practise.

Achieving a relevant qualification is a condition of registration with the SSSC. Registration and qualifications show the public that care is provided by professionals who are trusted, skilled and confident.

Qualifications are beneficial to workers too and can lead to career development and promotion opportunities.

If you start work without a qualification we will normally ask you to achieve one in the first period of your registration which is five years. This gives you plenty of time to develop your knowledge and skills before you start a qualification.

This does not apply to social workers who must hold an entitling qualification before they register.

You can check our main website to find out if we accept your qualification.

If you’re studying in a different country but want to work in Scotland we strongly recommend you get in touch with us to find out if your qualification will be accepted.

If we don’t accept your qualification please be reassured that there are opportunities to gain an accepted qualification while you are working. If your knowledge is up to date it will help you as you complete a Scottish qualification like an SVQ.

Studying at college

You may not need to pay fees and you might be entitled to other financial assistance to help you study, for example for childcare and travel expenses. The college will discuss this with you when you apply.

Studying in the workplace

You can apply for a part time fee grant from SAAS. If eligible, you can use it towards the cost of an SVQ at SCQF level 7 or above, or an HNC if studied part time.

Employers will often help meet the costs of qualifications. Some employers will mention this on their job adverts.

Our main website has some more information about funding.

Studying as an apprentice

If you apply for a modern apprenticeship vacancy you will not pay towards your qualification.

If you’re already in work you could ask your employer to help you find a modern apprenticeship centre as you may be able to complete your SVQ with them. This would reduce the cost to you or your employer.

There is funding for technical and professional apprenticeships for those who want to develop in their career.

Studying at university

Funding for undergraduate degrees is managed by SAAS. Download and read their funding guide.

If studying social work part time (for example a distance learning route with Robert Gordon University or Open University) you may have fees paid for by your employer, or you could apply for a SAAS part time fee grant.

If studying a postgraduate social work course you may be able to apply for a postgraduate bursary. For further information email: [email protected]

If you have recently moved to Scotland and have started a job or apprenticeship in social services you should ask your employer about modern apprenticeship (MA) funding. MA funding is available for anyone with a right to work in Scotland. Eligibility criteria is described by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) in their MA Programme Specification.

If you are legally resident in Scotland you can also apply for an Individual Training Account of up to £200.

If you are studying for a qualification at SCQF level 7 or above (at work, college or university) you may be able to access funding from Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). To access either full or part time funding you will need to meet the residency requirements. Funding is also available for particular groups of people, including people granted asylum who live in Scotland. You can find out if you meet the requirements for SAAS funding in this guide.

If you have a qualification, learning or specific experience relevant to your role you should discuss this with a learning provider who may be able to help you use it as recognition of prior learning (RPL) towards an accepted qualification for SSSC registration. More information is available from the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework RPL tool kit.