Social Work Apprentice

Want to learn skills that change lives?

Work across teams that champion love, care and compassion.

Write your story in to our journey - delivering the best outcomes for children and families

“Stop overthinking and apply!”

-Alice, Year 2 Social Work Apprentice

A new career, a unique opportunity to join a service on a journey. Teams that will champion your development and give you the skills to support children and families.

We\'re looking for three Social Work Apprentices to join us on a three year programme from September 2026.

What is the Social Work Apprenticeship:

• The Social Work Apprenticeship is a 3-year programme which with successful completion you will obtain a BSc Social Work Degree starting in September 2026.
• You will be an employee of North East Lincolnshire Council in the role of a Social Work Apprentice.
• You will be based within the Childrens Services social work teams as your hub, and will then complete placements in contrasting settings within North East Lincolnshire Council social care services during year 2 and 3 of the programme.
• You will attend University one day per week for the academic delivery of the programme modules.
• You will be provided one day per week of protected learning where you may be timetabled for additional days at university or will be required to undertake self-directed learning to complement the programme.
• You will be supported by a university tutor who will ensure the consistency of the programme and will undertake assessment of your performance throughout the programme.
• You will be supported by a Workplace Supervisor who will be based within your hub and will provide regular support and supervision. Your workplace supervisor will also have oversight of your day-to-day conduct, the work, and tasks you are undertaking and in ensuring you are being provided with positive learning and development opportunities.
• You will be assessed throughout the 3-year programme with frequent reviews, observations, feedback and the submission of academic assignments relating to the modules studied.

Who are we looking for?

• You have a recognised qualification in Maths and English at level 2 or equivalent and we will require the evidence of a certificate upon applying this will be requested at point of being successfully shortlisted and prior to interview.
• You have at least one year of experience working in the social care sector.
• You are committed to engaging in the academic and practical study involved in the apprenticeship programme, to develop skills and knowledge of the social work role and to support the successful completion of the apprenticeship programme.
• You want to build on and develop the skills to work to achieve the best outcomes for children, young people, and families.
• You can see the benefit of working closely with all professionals who contribute to the lives of children, young people and families and will work in partnership.
• You will need a driving licence.

Why join us?

• Committed to support you during your apprenticeship by working collaboratively with the university and offering access to extensive internal training, learning and development.
• Committed to the promotion of academic development through university days, protected learning days and continual practice development within your work base and placement opportunities.
• Committed to achieving the best outcomes for children, young people, and families.
• Have caring and compassionate leaders and managers who care about the job we do, the support offered to our social care staff and the children, young people and families we support.

What do our Social Work Apprentices enjoy the most?

“Waking up to a worthwhile job”

“When a child gets the support you have advocated for”

“Seeing amazing outcomes for children and families”

- Kerry, Year 1 Social Work Apprentice

Please note that if successfully shortlisted we will request all documents to be made available. This includes certificates of your highest-level qualification and your Level 2 in maths and English. We aim to request these documents by the 2nd of April. Without this evidence your application will not be progressed.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Children\'s Services in North East Lincolnshire as a Social Work Apprentice. We are holding information meetings on the following dates and times:

5 th March 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Grimsby Town Hall

10 th March 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Grimsby Town Hall

19 th March 5:30 pm - 6:30pm, Grimsby Town Hall

20 th March 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm, Grimsby Town Hall

25 th March 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm, Grimsby Town Hall

We will provide more of an insight, information and understanding of the Social Work Apprentice role. To book a place on any of the above please email: childrenworkforce@nelincs.gov.uk

For more information, please refer to the attached guidance and role profile.

Key Dates

Advert closing date: 27 th March 2026

We aim to interview candidates\' 18 th /19 th May 2026

We want you to have the best interview experience with us, so will provide candidates selected for interview their questions at 1600pm the day prior to meeting us.

Please note: This role requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at a level appropriate to the post. It is a contractual and essential requirement that the successful candidate is registered with the DBS Update Service. You have 30 calendar days from the \"date of issue\" printed on your standard or enhanced DBS certificate to register for the DBS Update Service using the certificate number.

We reserve the right to close our adverts early if we have received a significant volume of suitable applications.

We love AI and think it plays a great role in the world of work. However, for your application, we want to hear from YOU! As such, we will be testing applications to determine the use of AI, and applications that have heavily utilised the function will be scrutinised for suitability.

As part of your RewardNEL package, you will have a generous leave entitlement (including bank holidays) and enrolment into a local government pension.

You will also have access to our exclusive RewardNEL platform.

This includes a variety of salary sacrifice schemes including Cycle2Work, Holiday Extra and Tusker (Car Lease), discounts at local coffee shops and bars, direct access to our inhouse wellbeing support, free and discounted local car parking as well as instant access to new savings at major retailers, entertainment and hotels.

NELC staff can also benefit from flexible working and excellent training and development opportunities and a Fostering friendly scheme.

Do you need support?

If you need any help applying for this position, please contact Wendy Trask on 07702 338542 (text or call). Wendy can support with digital access as well as offering advice and guidance about completing the different sections of the application form.

Your earnings go further in North East Lincolnshire, house prices are four times less than in London. Learn more about what our place has to offer at Life in North East Lincolnshire | NELC (nelincs.gov.uk) #FindYourSpace

Get to know us better

Check out our Council Plan and read about all of the exciting new developments we have in the pipeline.

We regularly review data to ensure our recruitment processes are fair, transparent and promote equal opportunities for all. We also have an in-house Equalities Champions Group that works to promote and embed inclusivity in the workplace, helping us identify areas where we can take positive action, and make the organisation a safe space for colleagues to feel connected.