Social Work Apprentice (Children's)

Social Work Apprenticeships in Cornwall

Make a difference – Children’s Social Work in Cornwall

“Senior leaders and politicians are relentless in their drive to continue to improve the lives of Cornwall’s children and families”

Staff’s care, commitment and child focussed approach shine through when they talk about their work. This positive working environment helps to foster a culture in which an enthusiasm and commitment to do the best for children is found at all levels in the organisation.”

Ofsted, July 2024

We believe that the children of Cornwall deserve the very best. We have a clear commitment to build upon our strong, resilient Social Work workforce.

We are looking to recruit applicants interested in embarking in a career in social work in Cornwall. If you have strong values and ethics, a commitment to humane, relationship- based practice, an abiding curiosity, motivation and passion for this area of work, and have been considering a career in social work, we would like to hear from you. This is a unique offer, with a full salary throughout and all training paid for.

This scheme offers both an Undergraduate and Postgraduate apprenticeship pathway via the Open University.

The taught Apprenticeship starts in January 2026; You will be released for two practice placements across the duration of the course.

Following a successful application, there is a two-step interview process:

• An assessment centre style interview with Cornwall Council in September 2025.

If successful:

• Application and interview with the Open University to secure an academic place on the course. Interviews taking place in October 2025.

Only on securing a place with both the Council and the Open University will you be offered a position to start the apprenticeship.

The Open University offer Undergraduate and Postgraduate apprenticeship routes which the council utilise for our apprentichips programme.

You will be employed by Cornwall Council with your salary paid as a permanent member of staff. Course fees are funded via Cornwall Council’s apprenticeship levy.

This is a public/customer-facing role, where the statutory English language requirement for public sector workers applies.

This position will be subject to an enhanced criminal record disclosure and barring check.

To be considered for the Apprenticeship Scheme you must:

• Be working directly with children and their families, either as a practitioner or as a first line manager or have previously worked with children and their families for at least one year.
• Have a proven track record of taking personal responsibility for the quality and consistency of your own practice in line with service standards.
• Be motivated and passionate about working with children and families.
• Have good relationship skills, being able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written formats.
• Hold a commitment to working for Cornwall Council as a social worker, completing your Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) and early social work career practice within Children’s Service.
• We welcome applications from Together for Families employees. To qualify you must be a full-time employee of the Together for Families Directorate, be working directly with families, have support from your Team Manager and Head of Service, as well as meeting the below requirements.

All candidates must:

• Hold GCSE grade 9–4/A*–C/ Functional/Key Skills Level 2 in English and mathematics, or a certified equivalent (certified evidence will be required on application).
• Be willing to undertake distance-based learning with the Open University.
• For the Post graduate programme, in addition to Maths and English, hold a current degree in a related field.
• Be willing and able to work full time, to meet the needs of the service and course requirements.
• To have a full UK driving licence and a regular access to a car.
• Be committed to working with Cornwall Children and Family Services as a Social Worker for 3 years post qualification.

We will support you with:

• A salary as an Apprentice Social Worker, whilst you undertake your training.
• The costs of university fees and associated expenses (fees are funded by the apprenticeship levy*).
• Qualified and experienced Practice Educator support.
• Appropriate practice placements in line with the requirements of your social work course.
• An interview for the role of Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW) on successful completion of the course.

*Please note in order to qualify for the apprenticeship you must not be committed to or undertaking any other Government funded study.