A new scheme has been launched offering a fully funded social work degree and the opportunity to qualify as a social worker at the same time.
Cambridgeshire County Council’s Social Work Apprenticeship Programme gives applicants the opportunity to study for a BS (Hons) Social Work Apprenticeship qualification and a job with the council’s adult social care team.
There are 20 Adult Social Work Apprenticeship positions available starting in January 2025. This offers a unique opportunity to study for a fully funded social work degree with the University of East Anglia (UEA), while working for the council.
Once the apprenticeship is complete, apprentices will progress to Cambridgeshire’s Newly Qualified Social Worker programme, which provides a further 12 months of development and support.
Through the 3-year apprenticeship programme applicants will gain experience of working in a range of social work settings within the council, and develop a range of social work values, knowledge and skills that are required to support people of Cambridgeshire who have Care and Support needs.
Learning will be developed through a programme of work experience, academic study, reflective spaces and practice placements. Apprentices will be supported by an academic team at UEA, mentors within the team and a dedicated team of Adult Social Care Development Practice Leads within the Council, who will work alongside the 3-year programme.
Regular teaching sessions, workshops, seminars and tutorials will be a key part of the course.
This means successful applicants can gain a professional degree, which they don't have to pay for, while working and progressing as a highly valued Social Work colleague. Apprentices receive practical on-the-job training alongside academic theory and knowledge and all whilst earning a competitive salary. This is a structured three-year programme, culminating in a BA (Hons) degree in Social Work at no cost to the student.
Anyone interested is encouraged to watch two short films on YouTube - Adult Social Care team video (youtube.com) and Adult Social Care - journey into social work (youtube.com) followed by one of two drop-in sessions. Formal applications must then be submitted by 25 August 2024. Further details can be found here.
Cllr Richard Howitt, Chair of Cambridgeshire County Council’s Adults and Health Committee said: “This innovative and ambitious scheme benefits everybody – the apprentices themselves, the County Council and those with care and support needs. The best social workers support the people of Cambridgeshire to live fulfilling, healthy, safe and independent lives through timely support that is most suited to their needs. In Cambridgeshire this is vital to us as it meets our core values of being a greener, fairer and more caring county.”
