The Fast Track scheme was developed through partnership between the Scottish Executive Social Work Services Policy Division, COSLA, universities and local authority employers and in 2006 some voluntary sector employers also participated in the Scheme.

It provided graduates with a unique opportunity to obtain a professional social work qualification whilst in salaried employment within a local authority social work department (or voluntary sector employer). Over the past four years, nearly 390 trainees were appointed to the scheme.

The final date for applications for this scheme was February 2006 and the scheme will not run again in 2007.

If you are interested in a career in social work the Scottish Social Services Council publication 'A Career in Social Services' is available from http://www.sssc.uk.com or by calling the SSSC on 0845 60 30 891.

A copy of 'Hooks and Anchors ', a report on the Fast Track Scheme published in March 2006 is available on the Institute Publications page.