PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF SPECIALISTS IN THE SOCIAL SPHERE OF BELGIUM

Abstract

The article substantiates that social work is an important component of the state social policy of Belgium. It has been proven that professional training of social workers in Belgium is provided by institutions of higher education for three years. It was analyzed that the educational process includes theoretical courses, methodical and practical training (field practice and internship). It has been proven that practical activity in the field of social work is possible only with a bachelor's degree in social work. It was established that students of higher education in social work should choose a specialization from the first year of study: social work, cultural work, trade union work or work with personnel (human relations in industry, service sector). It is highlighted that social work schools are funded through grants from the government and some financial savings from tuition fees. Teachers’ salaries are paid by the Belgian Ministry of Education.

The purpose of the article is to characterize the main components of the professional training of specialists in the social sphere in Belgium.

Conclusions. 1. Social work is an important component of the state social policy of Belgium.
2. Professional training of social workers in Belgium is provided by institutions of higher education for three years. Training includes theoretical courses, methodical and practical training (field practice and internship). 3. Social work schools are funded through grants from the government and some financial savings from tuition fees. Teachers’ salaries are paid by the Belgian Ministry of Education. 4. Practical activity in the field of social work is possible only with a bachelor's degree in social work. 5. Universities in Belgium offer courses for graduates of schools of social work. Social workers can receive a master's degree in psychology, sociology, social communication, criminology, social policy after two or three years of study. 6. Students of higher education in social work must choose a specialization from the first year of study: social work, cultural work, trade union work or work with personnel (human relations in industry, service sector). 7. The training program for the Bachelor of Science in Social Work is designed for three years.