Think Ahead

I'm actually shocked about the negative reviews because I believe ThinkAhead is very diverse and much more than the other fast track social work programs. Trust me, I've applied to all of them. I agree it can be an intense application process but that's just to ensure they get the best candidates. I applied once and did not get in then I reapplied and worked harder at answering the questions, was more critical when responding to interview questions and I got in!Their recruitment associates are so experienced and they support you all the way especially if you have reasonable adjustments. Rose ensured my placement location was convenient, asked a lot of questions about what could be done to make sure I have the best experience.In addition, there are many BAME participants and staff members too!They recruit from diverse backgrounds, age group and social class.I'm afraid I don't agree with people saying they only pick certain people.My advice is if you don't get in, please reapply and focus on their values and what they expect from candidates. You can also request a feedback from them and this should help you on areas to improve on. Be yourself and let your passion show forth!

This programme is flawed from the start for people of colour and diversity. Its aimed at white people in society who are of a certain class. As previous reviews suggest, they will pick a few diverse faces to tick their boxes. It would be very intresting for Social Work England to review and investigate how many people of colour apply to the programme and how many are actually accepted in comparison to white applicants.

From the picture advertised 6 months ago it is clear that thinkahead are not diverse and not hitting set diversity targets

Lovely concept and a great programme, but frankly their administrators are appalling. They simply don't reply or seem to want to engage at all. Maybe I asked silly questions, but it was the reason I didn't apply in the end.

I didn't have a great experience. I ignored the comments about the lack of diversity/bame applicants but I think they are spot on. I got through to the assessment day but didn't pass. I was very disappointed as a university route is not an option for me right now.Also I would suggest tweaking the way you deliver feedback. They just reeled off all what went wrong very very quickly that I could barely make a note of it. I was even told I had and 'agenda' during the roleplay without any further explanation. I did ask if I could have feedback written/emailed but they don't usually do that. Its very apparent they want young, fresh out of uni, white middle class applicants.It has really put me off applying for the programme again

Very exhausting application process..

I have applied twice now and not made it past situational test. Also been on their info day a few weeks ago for BAME people where people were posting similar things in the chat. That the assessments are unfavourable to people of colour and those in a certain age group. If you are above 35 unlikely you will get through even though you meet all the criteria. This programme is geared towards a certain population (white) and young age group. They can say all they like and do their little tick box exercises but when it comes down to it they do not put their money where their mouth is.Edited 2023: sad to see the same thing continues from the reviews below. Friend asked as a subject access request how many BAME people apply and how many get through to be told they don’t have this available? Really? So how do you monitor your diversity figures? Social Work England need to carry out a review — it’s obvious this isn’t working for a majority of people from minoritised backgrounds.