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Degree apprenticeship (level 6) in social work

Complete a combination of paid employment and academic study to qualify and register as a social worker in England.

An apprenticeship is a paid job which combines real work experience and off-the-job training, which includes classroom teaching, shadowing and written assignments. Apprentices can be a new or existing members of staff. In social work, many employers of apprentices are local authorities. 

A degree apprenticeship (level 6) in social work, will allow you to apply to register with Social Work England  (SWE) and practice as a social worker.    

Apprenticeship vacancies are posted throughout the year. They are not confined to a specific application period.  

Find social work degree (level 6) apprenticeship vacancies on find an apprenticeship, the University and Colleges Advisory Service (UCAS) or by visiting employer websites. 

Entry requirements

You cannot be in full or part-time education to apply for an apprenticeship. You must also meet the entry requirements for the employer and training provider. 

Employers and training providers have their own entry requirements, which might include both GCSE passes and A Levels, or equivalent Level 3 qualifications. 

There is no upper age limit to begin a social work degree apprenticeship. You can also have a previous qualification and still start an apprenticeship (for example, a degree). 

Funding

In your apprenticeship degree role, you will not pay tuition fees for your qualification.  

You will earn a salary as you are an employed member of staff. Your salary will depend on the specific employer. Some employers might state the salary in the vacancy advertisement.   

You may be eligible for the apprenticeships care leavers bursary. This bursary is for eligible apprentices who are in care or are care leavers.  

Application and selection process

You should apply directly to the employer for degree apprenticeships in social work. There are no limits on the number of apprenticeships you can apply for.   

Find social work degree (level 6) apprenticeship vacancies on: 

Also check relevant employer websites for potential vacancies if you are interested in a social work degree apprenticeship. Many employers use apprenticeships to train current employees. Some employers may advertise their apprenticeship vacancies internally.

Employers will select a Social Work England approved training provider to deliver the apprenticeship training. This means you can register and practice professionally as a social worker in England once you have qualified.   

The selection process for social work degree apprenticeships varies depending on the employer. However, you will probably be asked to submit your CV and be invited to interview.

Course length and content

The social work degree apprenticeship usually takes 36 months to complete but can take longer if done part-time. 

Apprenticeships combine work experience with off-the-job training, which includes classroom teaching, shadowing and written assignments. At least 20% of paid working hours must be off-the-job training. This might include practice placements and face-to-face or virtual learning. 

The employer and the training provider will work together with you to agree a training plan. The plan should cover these knowledge, skills and behaviours. 

After you qualify

As a newly qualified social worker with a Social Worker Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship, you:  

ASYE helps you develop your skills in a supported environment. It's open to all newly qualified social workers employed in the public, private and voluntary sectors. 

Social Work England requires you (as a qualified social worker) to demonstrate your continuing profession development (CPD) each year as a requirement of registration.  

Continue to develop your skills and knowledge in child and family social work with development programmes funded by the Department for Education. 

Next page: Step Up to Social Work

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