At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Social Work Apprentice and make a real difference in the community.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to empowering communities and individuals.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a fully funded degree and competitive salary.
- Other info: Flexible working options and diverse career development opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in social work while studying at university.
- Qualifications: 12 months experience with children or adults, plus relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 22878 - 28419 £ per year.
Suffolk County Council is looking for passionate Social Work Apprentices to join us. Here, you will find more than just a job; you will discover opportunities to develop your skills, make a meaningful impact, and reimagine what’s possible. Join our apprenticeship programme where you will study for a fully funded degree alongside working for Suffolk County Council as a Social Work Apprentice.
Over the 3-year programme, you will gain core skills and knowledge by working in our Children and Adult Services and through a programme of study at the University of Suffolk, Ipswich Campus. Apprenticeships are available in a range of locations across Suffolk.
Do you have at least 12 months direct experience of working with children, young people and families or adults with care and support needs? Do you have passion and commitment to making a real difference for the people of Suffolk? Are you a resident of the UK and eligible to work here for the duration of the apprenticeship programme? Are you looking for a work-based route with a fully funded degree and paid salary?
The apprenticeship programme includes:
- A fully funded level 6 Social Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship
- A mixture of work based and academic learning
- Protected time away from work to attend university and to study
- Annual work rotations in adults and children’s services
- A workplace mentor/supervisor
- Dedicated apprenticeship programme support
- Peer group support
There is no guarantee of a permanent position; however, at the end of your contract, you will be guaranteed an interview for the role of a Newly Qualified Social Worker.
You will need:
- To be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship programme
- At least 12 months direct experience of working with children, young people and families, or adults with care and support needs
- To hold GCSE English or English Language at grade C/4 or above, or an approved equivalent such as level 2 functional skills at the point of application
- A nationally accredited qualification at level 3 or above e.g. 3 A levels, BTEC diploma, NVQ, Access to Higher Education
- A valid UK driver’s license and transportation
- To upload copies of all your original qualification certificates as part of the application process
If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online. If you undertook your qualifications outside of the UK, you would need to provide a statement of comparability. You can gain this by going to ENIC - the UK national agency for international qualifications and skills to demonstrate the British Association for Social Work and Social Workers skills and knowledge for entry to the social work degree course.
We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information, there are three opportunities to join an online information session via MS Teams about the Social Work Apprenticeship:
- Tuesday 17 March 2026 18.00-19.30
- Monday 23 March 2026 16.00-17.30
- Tuesday 31 March 2026 16.30-18.00
Please email WFDApprenticeProgramme@suffolk.gov.uk to book a place and to ask any clarifying questions.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 9 April 2026. Interview date: On either 18 May, 20 May, 27 May, 28 May 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
- Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
- Performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
- A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
- Diverse and active staff networks
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website.
Social Work Apprentice in Ipswich employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth of its employees and the communities they serve. As a Social Work Apprentice, you will benefit from a fully funded degree programme, flexible working options, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and personal development. With opportunities for career progression and a commitment to making a positive impact, this role offers a meaningful pathway to a rewarding social work career in the beautiful county of Suffolk.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Apprentice in Ipswich
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Suffolk County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Suffolk County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Suffolk County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Suffolk County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Apprentice in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Suffolk County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Suffolk County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
