Surviving Social Work Training

In this months briefer episode, her layby as she calls it, Donna introduces her driving analogy as a lively way to explore the ups, downs and unexpected turns of social work training. From mirrors and sat navs to warning lights and wrong turns, she shows how reflection, supervision, theory and self-care can help students and apprentices build confidence, make thoughtful decisions and keep moving forward—even when they cannot see the whole road ahead. 

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In this month’s episode of Surviving Social Work Training, I’m joined by Professor Mark Doel to talk about his idea of Social Work Land. It’s such a helpful way of thinking about placement, especially when you’re a student stepping into practice and everything feels new, unfamiliar and sometimes a bit overwhelming. We chat about what it can feel like to find your feet, how practice educators can support students as guides, and why learning on placement is about so much more than just getting through the days. We also touch on confidence, reflection, ethical dilemmas and how students can begin to trust their own judgement while staying grounded in social work values.

References

Doel, M. and Beesley, P. (2026) Navigating Ethical Dilemmas in Social Work Practice, London: Bloomsbury. ISBN: 978-1-350-50687-3.

Doel, M. (2010) Social Work Placements: A Traveller’s Guide, London: Routledge. ISBN: 978-0-415-49912-5.

Doel, M., Allmark, P., Conway, P., Cowburn, M., Flynn, M., Nelson, P. and Tod, A. (2010) 'Professional boundaries: crossing a line or entering the shadows', British Journal of Social Work, 40(6), 1866-1889.

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This month’s podcast focuses on transitions in social work training—especially that big shift from university into placement, and the equally challenging move from one placement to the next. Both Amber and Lucy describe how intense and overwhelming those early weeks can feel. Amber shared that stepping into adult services felt like “learning a new language” and that the first few weeks were “a little bit overwhelming” as she tried to make sense of new terminology and expectations. Lucy echoed this, explaining that the pace change and assessed nature of placement felt “quite overwhelming” and very different from her base team experience. In the episode, we explore how confidence often dips during these transitions, why that’s completely normal, and how students manage the uncertainty, self‑doubt, and emotional impact of working with real people and real situations. We also talk about the gradual process of settling into a new team, building relationships, and finding your place, as well as the small strategies that help—like connecting with colleagues, asking questions, and taking time to decompress. At its heart, this month’s theme is about reassuring listeners that they don’t need to have everything figured out. Transitions are messy, human, and full of growth, and confidence is something that builds slowly through showing up, learning, reflecting, and being kind to yourself along the way.

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In this episode of Surviving Social Work Training, the conversation explores what inclusion really means within social work education and practice. Through Christina’s reflections as a deaf social work apprentice, the episode considers the social model of disability, reasonable adjustments, communication barriers, self-advocacy, assistive technology, and the importance of creating learning and placement environments where disabled students and practitioners can thrive rather than simply cope.

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In this episode I am joined by the lovely Claire, Practice Educator of the year 2021, and the author of "The Supervision Chair Model". Between us we talk you through the two types of supervision on placement and Claire will introduce her concept of the Supervision Chair for you to potentially use on placement.

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This topic was suggested by someone as something that can often be a challenge for students. How do you challenge something you have seen or experienced that doesn't feel right? In this episode I spoke to two current students about their thoughts, include some views from a vox pop of other students and talk about how you can manage this in real life.

Hopefully you will find this helpful. Please don't forget to reach out if you have a topic that you think I should cover and if you want to take part. This podcast is created for you, so it is only right you should be part of it!

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So here it is, the first proper episode of Surviving Social Work Training. In this episode, we touch on the subject of refection, what does it mean and why is it so essential in Social Work. Then we move to a chat with two students I am currently supporting about their experiences in Social Work Training and ask them to share any tips to help you along the way, concluding in suggestions for self care.

Don't forget if you have any suggestions of topics for future episodes please email me at [email protected].

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Surviving Social Work Training is your monthly pep talk for the essays, placements and big feelings. Host Donna—social worker, mental health practitioner and practice educator—keeps it real with practical tips, honest stories, guest wisdom and quick wins to calm the chaos. Bring your cuppa, ditch the jargon, and leave with confidence, clarity and a cheerleader in your corner. You’re not alone—let’s do this together.

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