Introducing the new Social Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeship

The Social Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeship has now been signed off by the Institute for Apprenticeships, and University of Kent will be one of the key providers.

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After almost two years of work by the trailblazer group of employers, universities, and representative organisations, this degree apprenticeship standard has now been approved.  Apprentices will gain a Social Work degree, and the end-point assessment is integrated into the degree, forming the last six months of the three year apprenticeship.

Jane Hanrahan, head of the trailblazer group and Workforce Development Manager at Norfolk County Council says:

‘The Trailblazer group set out to design an apprenticeship that would provide a new opportunity for career progression for high quality candidates within the social care workforce.’

Before anyone can actually start a social work apprenticeship, there is still some work to be done by employers and universities. These things will be looked at over the next few months:

  • Universities already on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers will need to join the Register of End-Point Assessment Organisations to be able to deliver the apprenticeship.
  • Universities should redesign their degrees to integrate the assessment methods of the apprenticeship.
  • Employers will be required to negotiate deals with their partner universities about price, entry criteria to their course and programme structure.

 

The Social Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeship has taken almost two years to develop, but will be extremely advantageous for those working in Social Work.

 

This degree apprenticeship will be extremely advantageous for those wishing to work with people. Chief Social Worker for Adults Lyn Romeo discussed this, saying:

‘Having a uniquely immersive way to develop their knowledge and skills as part of a social care team, whilst also undertaking the required academic study to become social workers, provides another route for people who aren’t in a position to take time out to do a full time degree.’

University of Kent are very happy to be one of the key providers of this degree apprenticeship, and believe that all of the hard work involved in developing the programme will be worth it.

More information about the Social Work Integrated Degree Apprenticeship will be released as it becomes available, and the following sites are the best place to find this information:

For more information about this apprenticeship, please email: CHDAadmin@kent.ac.uk