Social Work
Graduate Apprenticeship
What's Social Work like?
This Graduate Apprenticeship offers you an invaluable mix of university learning and paid employment in social work. Over 4 years, you'll gain essential skills and knowledge in the sector.
The goal of your apprenticeship is to achieve the skills and knowledge required by the regulatory body for social workers, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
When you successfully complete the GA in Social Work, you'll gain:
a BA (Hons) Social Work (Graduate Apprenticeship)
eligibility to register with the SSSC as a social worker in Scotland
What's the qualification?
SCQF Level 10
You'll gain a Graduate Apprenticeship at SCQF Level 10. When you complete it you'll achieve the following qualification(s):
BA (Hons) in Social Work (Graduate Apprenticeship)
What will I learn?
A Graduate Apprenticeship is much more than getting a degree. It’s work-based, so you’ll also gain a range of useful experience and skills, such as:
recognising and understanding the impact of trauma on people’s lives
recognising and understanding legal, policy and practice frameworks that underpin social work
building transformative relationships with adults, children, families, carers, groups, communities and organisations
conducting assessments using a range of methods, models and approaches
undertaking social work interventions using appropriate methods, models and approaches
assessing and managing risk to people who use services
Meta-skills
You'll develop a range of meta-skills through a process of regular reflection, coaching, feedback and personal development.
Newly Qualified Social Worker Supported Year
All newly qualified social workers (NQSWs) in Scotland will undertake a Supported Year in practice. This is aligned to Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) registration and the responsibilities and entitlements given to registered social workers.
The aim here is to ensure that you have access to support and development opportunities. These will consolidate your social work education and help develop your professional identity and practice.
Where could it take me?
Work
After you successfully complete your Graduate Apprenticeship, you could progress to roles in some of these areas:
senior social worker / team manager
mental health officer (MHO)
practice educator
care inspector
chief social work officer (CSWO)
Further study
If you're interested in further professional learning and development, you 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.
Entry requirements
Recognised qualifications are useful for entry to this apprenticeship. These include:
Highers
National 4 and National 5
HNC or HND in Social Care, Social Services or Social Science
You might also be eligible if you have a relevant degree.
Some Foundation and Modern Apprenticeships can support your 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. You can also contact the university directly for guidance on entry requirements.
How does it work?
You’ll learn in a real-world environment and earn a wage. You’ll study at university about one day a week. When you complete the apprenticeship you’ll have achieved an honours degree.
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.
You might complete the apprenticeship in a shorter time. That’s because you might have prior learning or experience that can be taken into consideration. This means you don’t have to repeat some parts of the qualification.
How to apply
Use the 'Find vacancies near you' search at the end of this page to look for vacancies, then you can apply online.
You'll apply on Apprenticeships.scot or the company’s own website – there are details on the vacancy advert.