We’re offering exciting opportunities for Barnsley College students considering a career in children’s social work, with new social work apprentice roles for 2024.

A social worker degree apprenticeship, delivered by Sheffield Hallam University, will combine on and off the job learning and development and supports the development of social work trainees across a wide range of settings, such as early help services, looked after children and safeguarding teams.

Carly Speechley, Executive Director, Children’s Services, said: “I’m so proud that we’re able to offer this unique opportunity to Barnsley college students.

“Apprentices will gain a real sense of children’s social work, be supported to understand the role of a social work and gain real hands-on experience of the work a social worker undertakes on a day-to-day basis.

“They’ll also gain a sense of the community in which we work and the children and families who we support.

“It’s also a great opportunity for our Children’s Services, as we are growing our own social workers – I hope the apprentices will go on to develop their careers with us.

Emma Harvey, Childcare and Health Programme Manager at Barnsley College, said: “We have worked together to provide students with the opportunity to be taught by experts with real-world experience through the bespoke monthly sessions. They will bring practical knowledge and experience back into the classroom, enhancing the student's learning and development as they actively link theory to practice. This prepares students for progressing into a social worker degree apprenticeship.”

At the end of the apprenticeship, learners will achieve a BA (Hons) in Social Work, which is approved by Social Work England, and have the opportunity to work within the broad range within Barnsley Children’s Services.