Nationwide response for skills solution to widen Social Work talent pool
There has been widespread response from Social Work professionals across Scotland to support the development of a new degree level apprenticeship for the sector.
A national employee consultation on the creation of a Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work resulted in nearly 500 responses.
The apprenticeship is currently being developed by Skills Development Scotland, in partnership with Scottish Social Services Council, Scottish Government, industry, Higher Education partners and professional associations.
The work is part of a drive to improve access into Social Work careers and support the sector’s skills demand.
Currently there are 6,212 full time employed registered social workers working in local authority social work services across Scotland, and a further 4,700 registered social workers working in related services. Official statistics further illustrates that an overall vacancy rate of 9.3% was recorded across Scottish local authority social work services in June 2024*.
Another route into the profession
Combining paid work with study towards a qualification, 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.
Following the employee consultation, the Apprenticeship Development Group is now gaining expert support to create a draft Graduate Apprenticeship Standard and Framework, expected to be ready for wider consultation in early summer.
The Apprenticeship Development Group is chaired by Chief Social Work Officer and Head of Children’s Services in Aberdeenshire Local Authority, Leigh Jolly. Leigh said: “The views of the Social Work sector, including individuals and organisations that make up the social work workforce, are very important in the development of the Graduate Apprenticeship and we are delighted with the response to the employee consultation.
“We are very keen that all relevant stakeholders and partners can shape the next stage of development, as we move towards final approval of the additional work-based learning route into the professional role of a social worker.”
It is anticipated that the apprenticeship will be available for uptake during academic session 2025/6, delivered as a pilot through the University of the West of Scotland.
Leigh Jolly added: “The response and support in our consultation process has shown there is interest and demand from the sector and, as we approach the final stages of development, employers can look at how the apprenticeship can support workforce development and recruitment of a new generation of social work professionals.”
Anyone working in the sector can contact Abigail Kinsella, Development Manager, Skills Development Scotland, abigail.kinsella@sds.co.uk to find out more.
For more information about the redevelopment programme of Scottish Apprenticeships 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%).
- 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.