Subject to validation

Social Worker Apprenticeship

Proposed for January 2025 entry, the Social Worker Apprenticeship at Keele University is designed to ensure participants are equipped to work in partnership with adults, children, carers, and families in a range of different settings. The role of a Social Worker is to support and promote positive change in people's lives to improve their wellbeing and independence, and to reduce risk and harm.

Duration: 18 months.

Qualification: PG Diploma.

Application: We typically require applications 8 weeks before programme starts.

Ofsted: 'Good' Ofsted rating for Apprenticeships at Keele University in Full Inspection, June 2023.

The apprenticeship programme is suitable for anyone working within a health and social care setting that provide care and support for others. The apprenticeship route offers the opportunity to gain a professional qualification in social work, alongside working in employment.   

  • The course is delivered through off the job learning and is made up of two placements, shadowing days and core modules. These will be delivered in a hybrid approach, with some online learning and study, as well as face-to-face lectures and seminars on campus.
  • During the apprenticeship there will be a focus on practical learning and application of theory to activities and ensuring this knowledge is embedded directly into the employing organisation.

The apprenticeship integrates a range of modules applicable to the social work profession. These include readiness for practice, theory, law, values and contemporary practice. This is complemented by skills days, shadowing opportunities and placement days. The apprenticeship is underpinned by critical reflection, research and practical application of learning. 

Examples of indicative modules include. 

  • Readiness for Social Work Practice.
  • Social Work Theory & Methods.
  • Rights, Justice & Ethics.
  • Developing Knowledge for Social Work Practice. 
  • Contemporary Social Work.

To complete an apprenticeship, you must be employed in an organisation with your employer's support. We typically require apprentice applications 8 weeks before programme starts and by undertaking an apprenticeship, you commit to completing the End Point Assessment (EPA).

The Social Worker Apprenticeship typically requires.

  • Hold a degree relevant to social work or social care.
  • Relevant experience in the sector.
  • GCSE Maths and English, Grade C (4) or equivalent.
  • Successful interview and selection process, including satisfactory DBS confirmed by your employing organisation. 

We will work in partnership with you to ensure you are supported throughout the apprenticeship process.

  • Our Business Engagement Manager will provide tailored support and offer guidance on applying for an apprenticeship at Keele University, direction on eligibility and contracting, or any other questions you may have.
  • We offer a personalised approach to apprentices, ensuring you have the assistance you need from Keele University as your Training Provider, every step of the way.

Apprenticeships are paid for by employers, not apprentices.

  • Employers with a payroll of more than £3 million can typically use their apprenticeship levy contributions to pay for places on apprenticeship programmes.
  • Any business with a payroll below £3 million is usually eligible for government funding that will cover at least 95% of the cost of an apprenticeship course. 

Additional incentives are also available to employers based on differing circumstances. 

Contact us to find out more...

What does 'subject to validation' mean?

This course is ‘subject to validation’ which means that it is in the last stages of the validation process, awaiting final approval. Validation is a rigorous process undertaken with academic staff, students, independent subject experts, and employers to ensure the course is of high quality, and able to prepare students well for their future employment or further study. Validation is not guaranteed. 

Why Keele University?

Keele University is proud to offer a variety of apprenticeships across different sectors and specialisms. We provide a personalised approach to apprenticeships and have an evolving programme portfolio, based on employer needs through consultation.