A council is asking its staff to volunteer for retraining as social workers because of an acute shortage in the profession. Suffolk County Council and Suffolk College have set up a degree course which will allow employees to continue working while studying for four years.
Social workers now need a professional qualification and a degree to practise.
In Suffolk they are part of the child protection network and arrange care to help older people stay independent.
In recent years the council has recruited social workers from Romania, Zimbabwe and the USA.
Councillor Graham Newman, portfolio holder for adult and community services, said: "Social workers are the vital link in making sure those of our families and neighbours who need help, get professional advice and practical support."
The new course starts this month at Suffolk College. Up to 17 members of staff could qualify as social workers by 2010.
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