{"id":973,"date":"2025-09-29T11:10:36","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T10:10:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/?p=973"},"modified":"2025-09-29T11:33:32","modified_gmt":"2025-09-29T10:33:32","slug":"vik-level-6-social-worker-degree-apprentice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/2025\/09\/29\/vik-level-6-social-worker-degree-apprentice\/","title":{"rendered":"Vik Dhillon | Level 6 Social Worker Degree Apprentice"},"content":{"rendered":"

Meet Vik Dhillon<\/span>, who is currently completing the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship with Kent County Council (KCC). Vik is currently halfway through the programme and kindly shared a bit about his journey for aspiring apprentices.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What inspired you to choose a career in social work?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I wanted to pursue a career where I could make a real difference to people\u2019s lives and the wider community. For me, social work is about creating change and empowering people when they need it most. It is the opportunity to support individuals at their lowest point and help them reach a better place in their lives, whether that improvement is short term or long term. At the same time, social work has a much broader impact, as the social care system is designed to provide vital support to people across society. Being part of that system means contributing not just to individual outcomes, but also to stronger, more supportive communities.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Why did you decide an apprenticeship was the right path for you instead of the traditional university route?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It was actually timing, I started off in KCC as a <\/span>case officer<\/span>, but I have always wanted to be a social worker. KCC advertised the apprenticeship and the timing worked out, so I decided to apply.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Also, from a financial point of view, it makes sense as my employer is paying for my degree and giving me a salary. With the current cost of living crisis, this route is very appealing. Not only that but you get to work on the job and build practical experience, something that you don\u2019t get with the traditional route.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How did you find out about the social worker apprenticeship? What was the recruitment process like for you?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I found out through word of mouth, I knew someone on the previous cohort, and they outlined all the great things and brilliant opportunities they had been given, so I applied.\u00a0 In 2023, I filled in the application form, went through the <\/span>group <\/span>interview round and was offered the job. The whole process took around 3-4 months.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Could you describe the kind of work you get involved in day-to-day?\u00a0<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

No two days are ever the same in social work. That\u2019s one of the things I really enjoy, as every case is unique in its own way! Day to day, my work can involve a range of tasks, from completing care needs assessments to arranging services, <\/span>safeguarding enquires and other complex longer term work. <\/span>I\u2019m part of the adult social care team, so I often meet with people who have been referred to us and carry out assessments to understand what support they need.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From there, I look more closely at what that support should involve. For instance, if someone is struggling with their mental health, we might refer them to the community mental health team. Support varies greatly depending on the individual\u2019s situation, it could mean supported living, accessing day centres, signposting to specialist agencies, or providing one-to-one support within the community.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another part of my role is reviewing care plans to ensure they are progressing well. Occasionally, I also cover duty, which means responding to emergencies as they arise. While I don\u2019t handle all of this in a single day, the variety is what makes the role so engaging.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you manage the balance between your learning requirements and your responsibilities in the role?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

I\u2019m a very organised person, and for me, it really comes down to planning. Friday is always my dedicated study day, while Monday to Thursday is reserved for work. You have to be disciplined about keeping study and work separate. It\u2019s important not to let them overlap, otherwise it becomes overwhelming.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Of course, it can be challenging at times, especially when essays are due, as they can take up a lot of extra time. But I\u2019ve found that being organised early on makes a big difference and helps keep everything manageable.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My employer has also been really supportive in allowing me flexibility with study hours, but ultimately, it\u2019s about establishing a routine that works for you and knowing when to focus on university tasks.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How do you find ways to recharge and maintain balance alongside the demands of social work?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Working and studying whilst trying to find free time can be challenging but you must make sure to enjoy your personal life as well! I like to relax by spending time with family and friends on my days off. Also watching all sorts of movies, tv shows and sports really helps me unwind.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to learn how to switch off, which can be difficult because you’ve always got things on your mind, whether it’s work or university obligations. But, it’s important for your own well-being.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What moments have felt the most rewarding for you so far?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From a work perspective, the most rewarding part is knowing I can make a real difference in people\u2019s lives. Whether it\u2019s putting a care package in place, helping someone find housing, or simply building relationships with service users and the wider community, those moments feel incredibly meaningful.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From a university perspective, I\u2019m really proud of the progress I\u2019ve made. I\u2019m predicted a 2:1, which I\u2019m determined to achieve, and just knowing that the hard work is paying off feels very rewarding. Beyond grades, the journey itself has been so valuable, making friends, sharing experiences, and even taking part in things like this interview all add to what makes the experience so worthwhile.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What kind of support do you get from your employer, colleagues, and training provider?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At the University, the module convenors have been really supportive throughout each module. They regularly check in with us and run sessions where we can seek advice, which I\u2019ve always found warm, welcoming, and insightful.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, there are support sessions available for students and they have always been very approachable. We have a service called Skills for Academic Success (SAS) and although I haven\u2019t used this service personally, I know others who have found it really helpful from a study perspective.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

At work, colleagues are always willing to share information and help each other out, which makes a big difference. I also have a supervisor and receive regular supervision every three to four weeks while on placement. In year 2, we complete a 70-day placement, and in year 3, a 100-day placement. As part of this, I have a practice educator who provides additional supervision and guidance as part of the placement portfolio.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Overall, there is plenty of support available, whether from the University or my employer and it\u2019s always accessible when I need it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What are your hopes or plans once you complete the apprenticeship?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In the long term, I want to qualify and become a registered social worker, then work my way up to a senior social worker. The path of practise educator also really interests me as well. I feel that supporting people in the position I\u2019m currently in, offering guidance and mentorship would be really rewarding.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a social worker apprentice?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The first thing I\u2019d say is to be aware that this is a long course. It lasts 3 years which, for me, has been really rewarding but also very challenging at times. You need to be prepared to make sacrifices, particularly with the study element, as it will take up a lot of your spare time. That said, in the long run it is hugely rewarding and you\u2019re completing an apprenticeship that is fully funded. Whenever I feel stressed about the workload, I remind myself that a company has chosen to invest in me and believes in my potential. If you\u2019re a resilient person and willing to make the occasional sacrifice, then it\u2019s 100% worth it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What I would also say is that for those starting the apprenticeship, it\u2019s really important to make the most of the university experience. Some of my best experiences have been going to campus for teaching. Its great catching up with students, lecturers and making the most of the facilities. There’s so many, like the library, canteen and student bars so really make the most of it.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Want to know more?<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re interested in hiring an architect apprentice then have a look at\u00a0 our\u00a0employer information<\/a>\u00a0or contact us<\/a> for a one to one call.<\/p>\n

If you want to learn more about our social work apprenticeship, visit our social worker webpage<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Meet Vik Dhillon, who is currently completing the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship with Kent County Council (KCC). Vik is currently halfway through the programme and … Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":83991,"featured_media":974,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[178772,1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/973"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/83991"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=973"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/973\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":985,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/973\/revisions\/985"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/974"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=973"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=973"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.kent.ac.uk\/chda\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=973"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}