Social workers are often one of the most sought after professionals in the social service sector. With an ageing population and rising societal challenges in Singapore, the need for these professionals has never been so pressing as in recent years.

It is projected that at least 150 social workers are needed annually for the social service sector. To meet this demand, the National Council for Social Service (NCSS) has partnered the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) and SIM University (UniSIM) to offer a place-and-train initiative called Professional Conversion Programme for Social Workers (PCPSW). This is to help mid-career individuals acquire relevant knowledge and skills to become qualified social workers.

As the PCPSW is a place-and-train programme, individuals must secure employment with a participating voluntary welfare organisation before applying. SPD social workers Khoo Khee Ling and Jasmine Lee share their professional experiences at the PCPSW Career Previews held on 18 and 25 January 2014 at the Social Service Institute’s Training Hub.

For more information on the PCPSW, visit www.ncss.org.sg/social_service_jobs/PCPW_forsocialworkers.asp.