Social Work Apprentice - Undergraduate - Ref: CH00626 in Walsall

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.

About you: 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.

More about the programme: 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

This post is covered by the Government’s Code of Practice on the English Language Fluency Duty for public sector workers. The post holder will be required to communicate verbally with customers and provide advice and/or information in accurate spoken English.

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. We will ensure continuous development and improvement of robust recruitment processes and procedures that promote a culture of safeguarding amongst our workforce. Completion of an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check is a requirement for working with children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Note: Applicants appointed to posts that require an enhanced DBS clearance must declare any periods of time that they have lived, studied or worked abroad and be prepared to provide an Overseas Criminal Records Certificate (OCRC) or a Statement of Good Conduct (SOGC) relating to anytime they were overseas.

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.

At Walsall Council, we appreciate that AI can be a useful tool for ideas or guidance. However, we encourage you to make sure your application reflects your own voice and experiences. Over-reliance on AI can make responses feel less personal, and we really want to understand what makes you unique. Your experiences, skills, and perspective are what set you apart, so please ensure your application as a whole – particularly your ‘Supporting Information’ – reflects your own voice.

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 council’s journey of continuous improvement started in 2017 and has since transformed into a service with a clear vision, clear priorities and a clear plan, all informed by the views of our staff and children. Staff are at the core of delivering great outcomes for children and young people in Walsall, which is underpinned by our Walsall Right 4 Children vision. The latest Ofsted inspection demonstrated that staff in children’s services are proud to work for Walsall Council and feel supported to do great work.