Social Work
Graduate Apprenticeship
Description
This apprenticeship is designed to support the development of apprentices working in the social services sector, specifically in the role of social worker.
The goal of the apprenticeship is to achieve the relevant skills and knowledge required and set out by the regulatory body for social workers, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
Successful completion of the GA Social Work will result in:
the award of BA (Hons) Social Work (Graduate Apprenticeship)
eligibility to register with the SSSC as a social worker in Scotland
Apprenticeship framework(s)
Employees will gain a Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 10.
Their qualification includes:
SCQF Level 10
BA (Hons) in Social Work (Graduate Apprenticeship)
Download Graduate Apprenticeship - Social Work SCQF Level 10 framework document
Entry requirements
Recognised qualifications such as Highers, National 4 and 5s, Standard Grades, HNC or HND in Social Care / Social Services / Social Science are useful for entry to this apprenticeship. Candidates with a relevant degree may also be considered.
Some Foundation and Modern Apprenticeships can support a portfolio of relevant qualifications and experience. These could include:
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6
Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 6
Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF Level 7
Each vacancy advert says what qualifications are needed to start each Graduate Apprenticeship. It's a good idea for the candidate to contact the university directly for guidance on entry requirements.
Progression and development
Successful apprentices may progress to roles such as:
senior social worker / team manager
mental health officer (MHO)
practice educator
care inspector
chief social work officer (CSWO)
Further study
If they're interested in further professional learning and development, apprentices might progress to:
Professional Development Award in Practice Learning at SCQF Levels 10 and 11
Mental Health Officer Award at SCQF Level 11
Post Graduate Diploma Chief Social Work Officer at SCQF Level 11
Professional Development Award in Scrutiny and Improvement Practice (Social Services) at SCQF Level 10
PhD or Professional Doctorate at SCQF Level 12
Some higher education institutions offer specialist postgraduate courses for social workers at certificate, diploma and Masters level.
Find postgraduate courses in social work on My World of Work
Occupation profile
Please read the Occupation Profile for Social Work. This gives a detailed description of the work situations routinely carried out in this role.
How does it work?
Apprentices will learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. They’ll also study at university about one day a week. At the end they’ll have achieved an honours degree.
Cost and funding
As Graduate Apprentices are your employees, you'll pay their salary. This is not set by SDS but we encourage all employers to pay the Living Wage.
Graduate Apprentice learning costs are now funded by the Scottish Funding Council and Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS). Funding covers the full duration of the programme. Graduate Apprentices will apply directly to SAAS for the funding.
If you need any further information, visit the SAAS website.
How long will it take?
This is a Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 10 (honours degree level) and will take up to 4 years to complete.
Some people might complete the apprenticeship in a shorter time. That’s because they might have prior learning or experience that can be taken into consideration. This means they wouldn't have to repeat some parts of the qualification.
Need information or advice?
Call our advisors to find out more about Graduate Apprenticeships.
0800 783 6000Sounds right for your business?
The next step is to find a learning provider that offers this apprenticeship.
Find a learning provider