At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families while gaining hands-on experience in social work.
- Company: Walsall Council, an Ofsted Outstanding local authority dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a competitive salary and funded degree.
- Other info: Three-year apprenticeship with dedicated support and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and families, plus GCSE English at Grade C/4 or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 25948 - 25948 € per year.
Children are at the heart of Walsall local authority. They receive support, help and services that reduce risks for them and meet their needs. (Ofsted, 2025)
Do you want to start your social work career in an outstanding local authority? This opportunity is ideal for individuals who have experience working with children and families, and who are ready to take the next step into a professional social work career.
As an apprentice, you will earn while you learn, gaining valuable hands-on experience in statutory social work while completing a BA Hons in Social Work funded through the apprenticeship programme, subject to eligibility, with University College Birmingham.
You will be supported throughout your journey with:
- Dedicated guidance from an experienced Practice Educator within one of our Family Help teams.
- Academic support from the University.
- Access to support reflective supervision and support with your teams and via our consultant social workers.
This programme offers a supportive, structured route into social work, helping you to develop the skills, confidence, and professional identity needed to make a real difference to children and families.
We are looking for individuals who have experience of working with children and families and who demonstrate a strong commitment to learning and professional development through the social work apprenticeship. Candidates will need to have GCSE English at Grade C/4 or above, or an equivalent qualification such as Functional Skills Level 2.
You will have a genuine passion for supporting children and families in Walsall, alongside the ability to reflect on practice, learn from feedback, and work collaboratively to make a positive difference to outcomes for children.
This is a three-year apprenticeship programme offering an exciting and supported pathway into social work. You will develop your skills through meaningful, hands-on experience in practice, while working towards your academic qualification with University College Birmingham.
Throughout the programme, you will grow in confidence and professional identity, gaining the knowledge, experience, and support needed to make a real and lasting difference to children and families in Walsall.
This is a paid apprenticeship role with Walsall Council, offered under a contract of employment for the duration of the programme.
Closing date for applications: 29th May. Stage 1 interviews: Week commencing 8th June.
Walsall Council takes seriously the responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all the children, young people and vulnerable adults entrusted to our care and it is our expectation that all staff will share this commitment. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.
Important note: When completing your online application form, you will be asked to enter supporting information. You must enter a detailed supporting information statement describing how your skills, abilities and experience meet the specific criteria included in the employee specification. If you do not include a supporting information statement, you will not be shortlisted. Please also ensure that you complete the work history and qualifications sections of your application form. Please do not add a CV as we do not accept them.
We kindly request that recruitment agencies do not contact us regarding this job vacancy. We are not accepting agency applications or referrals at this time.
Walsall Council’s Children’s Services are the only Ofsted Outstanding local authority in the Black Country. During a visit in May 2025, inspectors described Walsall Council as a place where children were at the heart of the service. The staff are at the core of delivering great outcomes for children and young people in Walsall.
Social Work Apprentice - Undergraduate in Walsall employer: Walsall Council
Walsall Council is an exceptional employer for aspiring social workers, offering a unique apprenticeship programme that combines hands-on experience with academic support from University College Birmingham. With a strong commitment to professional development and a supportive work culture, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families in Walsall, all while being part of an Ofsted Outstanding local authority known for its dedication to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Social Work Apprentice - Undergraduate in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Walsall Council and their approach to social work. Understanding their values and mission will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former apprentices and social workers on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips and might even give you a heads-up about what to expect during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to social work and your experiences with children and families. Role-playing with a friend can help you feel more confident and articulate your thoughts clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to include a detailed supporting statement that highlights how your skills and experiences align with the role. Don’t skip this step!
We think you need these skills to ace Social Work Apprentice - Undergraduate in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Personal and Authentic:When you're writing your application, make sure it sounds like you! We want to hear your voice and your experiences. Avoid using AI too much; it can make your application feel a bit robotic.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:This is your chance to shine! Make sure you address the specific criteria in the employee specification. We’re looking for how your skills and experiences match what we need, so be detailed and relevant.
Show Your Passion for Social Work:Let us know why you’re excited about this apprenticeship! Share your genuine passion for supporting children and families, and how you plan to make a difference in Walsall.
Follow the Application Instructions:Don’t forget to complete all sections of the application form, especially the work history and qualifications. Remember, we don’t accept CVs, so stick to the online form and give us all the info we need!
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Social Work Apprentice and the values of Walsall local authority. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to children and families, and be ready to discuss how your experiences align with their mission.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, express your genuine passion for supporting children and families. Share specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive difference in their lives.
✨Reflect and Learn
Be prepared to talk about times when you've received feedback and how you've used it to improve your practice. This shows that you're open to learning and growing, which is crucial in social work.
✨Prepare Your Supporting Statement
When filling out your application, ensure your supporting information statement is detailed and directly addresses the criteria in the employee specification. This is your chance to shine, so make it personal and reflective of your unique experiences.
