LAUSR

ABSTRACT This paper presents a qualitative study of an experimental project carried out by the Bachelor of Social Work programme at the Università di Torino (Italy) to promote new opportunities for employment in a welfare system that has been affected by the global crisis. The project organised 65 practice learning placements at 15 non-profit agencies where social workers are not normally part of the staff. A review of the international literature indicates that interest in such initiatives is not restricted to Italy. The study employed semi-structured interviews and focus groups involving students, supervisors, tutors and agency contacts. The study's findings bear out the value of experimental practice learning in two main areas: promoting the social work profession – the experimental placements helped disseminate a favorable view of the profession, and in some cases resulted in social workers being hired by the agencies concerned; training – the experimental placements stimulated students’ ability to learn proactively, through exploration and questioning. It was found that there is a need to provide the students involved in the placement with greater support to ensure that they do not regard the experience as being less useful than conventional placements where participants can observe practitioners in action.