Career Conversion Programme
Supporting mid-career professionals transitioning into social work.
Last updated 14 August 2026
Overview
The Career Conversion Programme for Social Workers is an excellent starting point for those who are considering a career transition into the social service sector. This is a collaboration between Workforce Singapore (WSG), the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS), and participating employers.
Managed by NCSS, the place-and-train programme aims to train aspiring social service professionals, in particular mid-career individuals, and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to become qualified social workers.
How to get started
To be eligible for the programme, applicants must first secure employment with one of the participating employers. Subsequently, you can complement your academic studies with practical experience during practicum sessions across your course.
Eligibility criteria
The application for each year’s intake opens in early December of the previous year. To be eligible for the programme, you have to first secure employment with one of the participating employers. Depending on your educational qualifications, you can select between two part-time courses at the Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS): a Graduate Diploma in Social Work, or an Accelerated Bachelor of Social Work.
How to apply
Kickstart your switch to a career in the social service sector with three simple steps.
Step 1: Secure employment with one of the participating employers to become eligible for the programme.
Step 2: Complement your academic studies with practical work experience during practicum sessions.
Step 3: Transform into a fully competent and effective social worker upon graduation.
For more information or enquiries on the programme, please contact socialservice_ccp@ncss.gov.sg (opens in new tab) or learn more about the application, screening and enrolment process (opens in new tab).
For social service agencies: Partner us
Find out how your agency can be a participating employer in the programme.
The Career Conversion Programme for Social Workers (CCPSW) enables mid-career professionals to train as Social Workers while employed with salary support and a post-training service commitment.
NCSS has partnered with Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) and Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) to offer the Career Conversion Programme for Social Workers (CCPSW). This innovative place-and-train initiative helps mid-career professionals gain the knowledge and skills to become qualified Social Workers.
Trainees work full-time with sponsoring employers while studying at SUSS, allowing for practical application of their learning. Employers benefit from salary support funding during the training period. After completing the program, graduates commit to a Minimum Service Period (MSP) with their sponsoring employers, ensuring a seamless transition into the workforce.
For social service agencies who are interested to sign up as participating employers or would like to find out more about the programme, please contact socialservice_ccp@ncss.gov.sg (opens in new tab).
