Addressing social work shortage with student initiative

By Taylah Baker

May 8, 2023

**Opportunity:** La Trobe University’s Rural Health School has unveiled a new initiative to address social work shortages. Photo by Rodney Braithwaite

Amid social work shortages across the region, La Trobe University’s Rural Health School is hosting a Social Work Student for a Day event.

Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content

The pilot event on Tuesday, May 9, introduces Year 11 and 12 students from Greater Shepparton Secondary College to the university’s Shepparton campus to learn about education opportunities and career paths in social work.

The students will be taken through key elements of social work teachings, including support through social justice, advocacy and self-awareness.

The day will allow students to decide if a course and career in social work is for them, in a way that extends beyond what you can read online or in a course guide.

Rural Health School senior lecturer of social work Corina Modderman said more people acquiring degrees and employment in social work relieved some of the pressures in our communities.

“Social workers work in schools and youth services, in family support and child protection, drug and alcohol response, crisis management and family violence — there are so many opportunities on offer to make a real difference,” Dr Modderman said.

“If you search for social work jobs in Shepparton online, you will see there are more than 40 vacancies across multiple agencies, demonstrating the pressing need for qualified social workers ... All of our graduates have a job offer before finalising the course.”

Although the pilot Social Work Student for a Day is offered solely to Greater Shepparton Secondary College, planning is under way to extend it to other select partner schools in the future.

More information about La Trobe University’s social work courses can be found at www.latrobe.edu.au/courses/social-work