First social work apprentices start at University College Birmingham

The first social work apprentices have started their studies at University College Birmingham, as the city looks for new ways to train the social workers it needs.

The university has launched two new degree apprenticeships: a Social Work Degree Apprenticeship leading to a BA (Hons), and a Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship leading to a postgraduate diploma for people who already have a degree.

Learning while working

Degree apprenticeships allow people to train for a profession while being employed. Apprentices spend part of their time studying at university and the rest working for their employer, putting what they learn into practice straight away. Their tuition fees are paid by the employer, through the apprenticeship levy, so apprentices do not take on student debt, and they earn a salary while they study.

University College Birmingham's apprentices are employed by local authorities and long-standing health and care employers in the region.

Approved without conditions

Both programmes were approved by Social Work England, the regulator for the profession, with no conditions or recommendations. The university says the regulator highlighted its strong partnerships with employers and the way the courses link social work theory with professional practice.

What the course leaders said

Dr Gemma Hunt, head of the department for social work, said: "After all the work that has gone into developing the programmes, it was a really special moment to finally welcome our first apprentices to UCB."

Shar Randall, programme lead for the postgraduate apprenticeship, said: "From day one, there has been a real sense of community, and I'm looking forward to supporting learners as they explore the connections between social work theory and practice."

Mandy Lewis, programme lead for the BA (Hons), said: "As a programme team, we look forward to supporting their development and embracing every opportunity to learn, grow, and be curious and courageous throughout their social work journey."

Why social workers matter

Social workers support children and families, adults with disabilities or mental health needs, older people and others who need help to stay safe and live independently. They work in councils, the NHS, charities and other organisations, and they often deal with complex and difficult situations.

Councils across England have struggled to recruit and keep enough social workers, particularly in children's services, and many rely on expensive agency staff to fill gaps. Training people who already live and work in the area is seen as one way to build a more stable workforce.

Social work in Birmingham

Birmingham City Council and the Birmingham Children's Trust, which runs the city's children's social care, employ large numbers of social workers to serve one of the youngest and most diverse populations in the country. Demand for adult social care is also rising as the population ages.

About University College Birmingham

University College Birmingham has its main campus in the city centre, near Summer Row and the Jewellery Quarter. It is known for courses in hospitality, tourism, culinary arts, business, sport, early years, health and social care, and it has a strong focus on preparing students for work.

Interested in social work?

People interested in a social work career can study a traditional degree, take an apprenticeship with an employer that offers one, or join a fast-track scheme for graduates. Social Work England and the Government's Social Work Careers website set out the different routes and entry requirements.

Other routes into care

There are also many roles in health and social care that do not require a degree, including care workers, support workers and family support roles. Many people start in these jobs and later train as social workers, nurses or occupational therapists, sometimes with support from their employer.