Children, families, carers and communities need exceptional social workers - individuals who truly understand and represent the communities of Southwark. Could that be you?
If you’re ready to embark on a career that changes lives, where every day brings purpose and opportunity, our Social Work Degree Apprenticeship Programme might be the perfect next step!
About the Opportunity
We are excited to invite aspiring social workers to join our fully funded Social Work Degree Apprenticeship, starting in September 2025 in partnership with Kingston University.
This unique 2- or 3-year programme (depending on your prior qualifications) allows you to:
- Earn while you learn: Spend 4 days a week gaining hands-on experience working in Southwark’s diverse communities and 1 day a week studying at Kingston University.
- Achieve a professional qualification: Graduate with either a BA (Hons) in Social Work or a Postgraduate Diploma, fully preparing you for registration with Social Work England.
- Develop skills for life: Gain practical knowledge and expertise through real-world practice, supported by a programme co-produced with Kingston University.
Why Choose Southwark?
At Southwark, our vision is clear: to ensure every child grows up in a safe, healthy and happy environment, unlocking their full potential. Through our mission of Putting Children First and Keeping Families Strong, we create opportunities for outstanding social work practice and professional development. Here’s what makes Southwark stand out:
- Exceptional support for your career: From your apprenticeship to our newly qualified social worker (NQSW) year and accelerated progression scheme, we offer tailored career pathways and ongoing professional development.
- Diverse and dynamic borough: Work in vibrant areas such as Peckham, East Dulwich and London Bridge, with excellent transport links and staff parking permits available.
- Commitment to inclusion: Our initiatives, including Southwark Stands Together and the Workforce Race Equality Standard, celebrate diversity and actively challenge inequality.
As a Social Work Degree Apprentice, you’ll join a forward-thinking council with a stable, experienced leadership team dedicated to supporting your growth.
About the Role:
You’ll be part of our Children’s Services teams, working directly with children, young people, and families. Our child-centred, family-minded and strengths-based approach ensures every child has the opportunity to thrive.
You’ll gain hands-on experience while building a strong foundation in social work practice through:
- Work-based learning modules: Apply your studies directly to practice, developing the skills to make a meaningful impact.
- Comprehensive support: Benefit from mentorship, career development opportunities, and the resources you need to succeed.
- Real-world learning: Alternate between university study and practical work, with dedicated teaching blocks to deepen your knowledge.
About You:
We’re looking for compassionate and dedicated individuals who share our passion for creating brighter futures. You’ll bring:
- A kind, empathetic approach to working with children, young people, and families.
- A commitment to personal and professional growth, with a desire to excel in our robust ASYE programme and beyond.
- A genuine passion for making a difference and strengthening families.
- A belief in fostering inclusion, celebrating diversity, and challenging inequality.
Eligibility Requirements:
To be eligible for the social work degree apprenticeship, you will need:
- GCSE English (normally English Language) and Mathematics grades 4-9 (or grade C or above for GCSEs taken before 2017); or equivalent qualification (e.g. Functional Skills Level 2 in Numeracy and Literacy).
- A minimum of two years of verifiable and relevant work experience.
- A ‘Right to Work’ covering the full length of the course and end point assessment (24 or 36 months) as this is a compulsory requirement of all apprenticeships.
- To be eligible for the 2-year apprenticeship you will need to already have a degree. For those without a degree you will only be eligible to complete the 3-year apprenticeship.
Additional Information:
This is a full time, 36 hour per week position. On the job learning will be completed within Southwark and off the job learning at Kingston University.
This position requires an Enhanced DBS for both Children and Adults.
If you are successful in your application to Southwark you will be nominated to Kingston University and will need to complete their application process. Any offer of a place on the social work degree apprenticeship with Southwark will be contingent on also receiving an offer of a place on the course with Kingston University.
Benefits and more information:
https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/
Recruitment Timeline:
Advert close date: 11:59pm on Sunday 9th March 2025
Shortlisting date: Friday 14th March 2025
Online Assessment date: Friday 21st March 2025
Interview date/s: Monday 31st March to Friday 4th April 2025
The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
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