The training of social work professionals is a process which should be addressed from a global standpoint taking into consideration the professional career as a whole: from basic training to postgraduate qualifications and continuing training. This paper reflects on training and the design of it based on the definition of social work and its purpose, proposing to strengthen training in theoretical contributions specific to the field of social work: paradigms, models, methods and techniques. Contributions from the remaining social sciences are established as instruments in order to develop the profession and the academic discipline. Lastly, the paper champions the need to tailor research as part of the training process and to ensure all stakeholders associated with social work become involved in research.