Liverpool City Council is pioneering a groundbreaking initiative by offering social work degree apprenticeships to individuals keen on making a positive impact in children’s social care. This innovative program provides a unique opportunity to attain a Social Work degree while concurrently gaining hands-on experience to foster the essential skills and knowledge needed to qualify as a Social Worker.
The council’s commitment to expanding and enhancing its workforce underpins the launch of these social work degree apprenticeships. The initiative aims to welcome experienced and passionate individuals dedicated to working with children, fostering both personal development for existing staff and opening doors for aspiring social workers.
The chosen candidates, a select group of five, will embark on a transformative journey, splitting their time between academic learning and practical application. One day a week will be dedicated to attending the esteemed University of Central Lancashire, immersing themselves in the theoretical aspects of social work. The remaining four days will be spent working within a dynamic Social Work Team, where they will put their newfound knowledge into practice, honing their skills in real-world scenarios.
This dual approach not only ensures a comprehensive understanding of social work principles but also provides invaluable experience in navigating the challenges and complexities of the field. It represents a significant departure from traditional academic pathways, aligning education with practical application to create well-rounded and effective professionals.
The Liverpool City Council is also in the process of establishing a Social Work Academy, designed to provide tailored support and learning opportunities. This academy is set to become a hub for apprentices, students, and current staff within Liverpool Children’s Services, offering training, reflective supervision, shadowing opportunities, and one-to-one support from seasoned Social Workers.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will be awarded a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Social Work (England). This prestigious qualification opens the doors for candidates to seek registration as a Social Worker with the regulatory body, Social Work England. The significance of this achievement lies not only in the academic recognition but also in the practical skills honed throughout the apprenticeship, ensuring that graduates are well-equipped to handle the demands of the profession.
To further support the career progression of the newly minted social workers, the council will facilitate the application process for a Newly Qualified Social Worker role. This pivotal role marks the transition from apprentice to a fully-fledged professional, where individuals can continue to apply their skills and contribute meaningfully to the welfare of children in need.
It is worth noting that candidates applying for this role will undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, underlining the council’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals within the community.
The introduction of social work degree apprenticeships aligns with Liverpool City Council’s broader strategy to foster a skilled, compassionate, and dedicated workforce. By providing this innovative pathway, the council not only addresses the immediate needs of children’s social care but also invests in the long-term development of professionals who will play a vital role in shaping the future of social work in the region.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Liverpool City Council highlighted the transformative potential of this initiative, stating, “We believe that by combining academic rigour with practical experience, we are not only creating exceptional social workers but also contributing to the overall improvement of children’s services in Liverpool. This program reflects our commitment to nurturing talent, fostering a culture of continuous learning, and ensuring that our workforce is equipped to meet the evolving challenges of social work.”
As the application process opens, it beckons individuals with a passion for social care and a dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children to seize this unprecedented opportunity. The social work degree apprenticeships promise to be a gateway to a fulfilling career, where academic knowledge converges with real-world application, creating a cohort of professionals poised to make a meaningful difference in the realm of children’s social care.
