Aspiring social workers encouraged to discover more about apprenticeships

Aspiring social workers are being encouraged to find out more about social work apprenticeships, as part of Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s recognition of National Apprenticeship Week (5-11 February 2024).

Apprenticeships are an increasingly popular alternative to the traditional university route towards careers in social work.

During National Apprenticeship Week, two members of staff in the Adult services team at Stoke-on-Trent City Council are celebrating recently securing full-time employment in adult social work posts following the end of their respective apprenticeships.

Paul Jackson and Robin Ballantine, have both worked as Wellbeing Assessors at the City Council, and began apprenticeships in social work in 2021.

They are now both qualified social workers in the Learning Disabilities team. This is a pathway Stoke-on-Trent City Council offers for staff who are interested in becoming social workers.

Paul Jackson said: “I started my apprenticeship with the council in 2021 in the Hospital Social Work team and have been working with the Learning Disabilities and Transition team since January.

“I’ve found working with people with learning disabilities very rewarding and I’m looking forward to expanding my knowledge as a Social Worker.”

Robin Ballantine said: “I started my apprenticeship just before the first lockdown and had to adapt to a whole new way of working. However, I have a supportive team and we looked out for each other.

“The work itself is always varied, no person or situation is ever the same which keeps things challenging and interesting.”

 Councillor Duncan Walker, cabinet member for Adults Services said: “I’d like to congratulate Paul and Robin for completing their apprenticeships. We are delighted to have them working with our Learning Disabilities team.

 Anyone interested in completing a social work apprenticeship at Stoke-on-Trent City Council can email adultsworkforce@stoke.gov.uk for further information.”