The latest group of Social Work apprentices at Cheshire West and Chester Council have successfully graduated with degrees from the University of Chester, helping them start an exciting career and make a real difference to people in the community.
Social Work Week is currently taking place from 18 to 22 March, with World Social Work Day held earlier this week on Tuesday 19 March, providing an opportunity to celebrate the important role that social workers play.
With funding from the apprenticeship levy, Council staff across Adult Social Care and Children and Families have completed the three-year Social Worker (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) programme.
This is the second group that has completed the programme and not only have they got an undergraduate degree to put on their CV and support their future career development, but they have also been able to gather valuable experience on the job.
Many of the graduates have existing links to the Council, highlighting the strong grow your own culture, and are the first members of their family to attend university.
Shelley, one of the recent graduates as part of the apprenticeship programme, said: “The apprenticeship has been a great opportunity to develop my skills and career further.
“There is a lot of support from both the Council and university along the way.
“The peer support groups enable students at different levels of the degree to share experiences that can support your development further.
“Having a mentor in the Council also provides vital support for you to identify strengths and areas for development.
“Completing my apprenticeship has brought me a huge sense of achievement, increasing my confidence in my work and opening further opportunities in my career path.
“My goal now is to continue developing through the programme before considering my future opportunities.”
There are plenty of opportunities to join the Council in both Adult Social Care and Children and Families, offering a range of benefits.
Competitive pay for the sector, with a ‘grow your own’ culture and opportunities to progress to more senior roles
An excellent pension scheme, with significant employer contributions
A generous holiday allowance of 26 days pro rata, increasing to 31 days after five years of continuous service
Ongoing training and development opportunities
Employee benefits and rewards
For the latest opportunities at the Council, visit: cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/jobs.
You can also find out more about a career with the Council at: cwcrecruitment.co.uk.