New Scottish apprenticeship to widen access to careers in Social Work
A new degree level apprenticeship is to be launched in Scotland in a national drive to improve access into Social Work careers and support the sector’s skills demand.
A Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work is being developed with the support of workforce regulator the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and Scotland’s skills agency, Skills Development Scotland (SDS).
The work is an important development in supporting employers to offer a paid, work-based route to qualification as a social worker. Apprentices will be employed from the outset, combining work and study to complete the degree.
Currently there are 10,914 registered social workers in Scotland, and the industry reports that there is an existing talent gap that shows an overall vacancy rate of 9.3%*.
The Graduate Apprenticeship creates another pathway for anyone wishing to enter the Social Work profession who are unable to access traditional routes and provides career development opportunities for those already in employment but without a first degree.
Developed with the sector
The aim is for the apprenticeship to be available for uptake during academic session 2025/6, delivered as a pilot through the University of the West of Scotland.
The design and development of apprenticeships across Scotland are being reviewed and refreshed through a new industry-led approach to ensure skills and qualifications are not only fit for purpose, but fit for the future.
As a national framework, the Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work will be developed in partnership with the social work sector representatives and draw on expert knowledge to ensure a high quality, robust programme that is inclusive to help attract more talent.
The views of employers, trade unions and professional bodies representing Scotland’s social work sector will support the development of the apprenticeship, to ensure it meets the sector’s skills needs.
SDS and the SSSC are bringing together representatives from business, industry, trade bodies, unions, awarding bodies and learning providers to create the Apprenticeship Development Group (ADG).
Creating an inclusive and skilled workforce
The ADG, chaired by Leigh Jolly, Chief Social Work Officer, Head of Children’s Services, Aberdeenshire Council, will shape the Graduate Apprenticeship, ensuring the work-based training and skills development elements align with the regulatory requirements for social work education. Over the course of four- six separate sessions, participants will design and develop the content of the apprenticeship and confirm the skills which are relevant to social work.
Leigh Jolly said: “I am delighted to collaborate on this exciting project aimed at enhancing the social work workforce's capacity and agility. Social work is rewarding yet challenging, and it is crucial to have an inclusive, skilled, and knowledgeable workforce. By making qualifications more accessible and allowing individuals to earn while they learn, we can continue to develop a workforce that reflects and serves our communities while maintaining high professional standards.”
A technical writing group to support development of the relevant documentation for the Graduate Apprenticeship will be led by Dr Eric Baumgartner, Dean of the School of Education and Social Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, with participation from SSSC and the Open University in Scotland.
For more information on the development of apprenticeships in Scotland and to register interest to get involved visit apprenticeships.scot
*Sources
The Scottish Social Services Council Register (sssc.uk.com) states:
The number of registered social workers increased from 10,826 in 2023 to 10,914 in 2024. +88 (+0.8%)
Social worker filled posts and vacancies six-monthly survey at June 2024 | Scottish Social Services Workforce Data (sssc.uk.com) states:
• The data from June 2024 shows an increase in WTE vacancies compared to the December figures but a decrease in the vacancy rate from December 2023, down from 10.3% to 9.3%.
• In June 2023 the vacancy rate was 12.9% compared to 9.3% in June 2024.
• Vacancy rates varied by fieldwork team, however high rates in the children and adult fieldwork teams suggest an increasing demand for social workers.