Students have combined studying at ARU with working for Essex local authorities
The first group of Social Worker degree apprentices from Essex local authorities celebrated their graduation at Chelmsford Cathedral.
The 18 students have combined academic study at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) with their roles at Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea City Council and Thurrock Council over the course of their three-year apprenticeship.
Backed by Social Work England, the Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship offered by ARU supports the development of social work skills across a wide range of settings, including services for adults, children and families, and mental health.
The course combines online learning and activities from sector specialists and practitioners, with a series of face-to-face workshops from ARU's academic team. The apprenticeship is ideal for new and existing social care support staff who have the potential to take on greater challenges and responsibility as qualified social workers.
Veronica John-Sdiri was among those graduating. Having worked for several years as an unqualified worker with Essex County Council, she had previously been unable to act on her aspiration to become a qualified social worker due to personal circumstances and childcare responsibilities. However, the degree apprenticeship route offered by the council and ARU enabled her to finally take that step.
Veronica said:
"This Social Work Apprenticeship opportunity has allowed me to develop a fuller understanding of the individuals, families, and carers I work with. It has allowed me to develop and given me insight into both the theoretical and practical approaches to the work I do."
Tom Taylor, Head of Degrees At Work at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) said:
"We are very proud of our Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship graduates, the first of many to qualify in Essex through this apprenticeship route offered by ARU and local authority partners. These learners have demonstrated great commitment and resilience to overcome the challenges posed to their study by the pandemic.
"The success of this programme is also testimony to ARU's strategic partnership with Essex authorities and illustrates how collaborative working can help address a local skills deficit."
Cllr Beverley Egan, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Early Years, said:
"It's really exciting to see the first apprentices graduate and we look forward to see many more qualified social workers completing the course in the coming years."
