We are Bachelor of Social Work students at Western Sydney University, campaigning for a more flexible schedule of field education hours to promote our overall well being, while allowing for a more diverse experience in the field. Social Work students are required to juggle their study load, employment, financial responsibilities, and family commitments, all while undertaking long, unpaid field education placements as a mandatory part of our degree.

The Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) have placed an impractical expectation that social work students must complete over 1000 hours of unpaid placement. These hours are not paid for and students are expected to go without any income for the two lots of 408 and 600 hour placements. Students are left with the choice between gaining an education or being able to provide for their family. 

Our goal is to replace the current Western Sydney University Bachelor of Social Work Field Education units 1 and 2, which total 1000 hours in years 3 & 4, with three Field Education units of 335 hours each across a three-year period in years 2, 3 & 4. 

This change will allow for students to be given a more fair and equitable placement experience, without having to jeopardise their way of living. It will help to improve students’ mental health, reduce the risk of burnout, increase financial security, improve grades and learning outcomes, as well as allow for more time spent with family. 

Please support us by signing this petition to help current and future students get the most out of their education, with the least amount of sacrifice.