Council social care staff complete degree apprenticeships

A group of Cheshire West and Chester Council staff in Adult Social Care and Children’s Social Care have been supported to successfully complete degree apprenticeships at the University of Chester.

With funding from the apprenticeship levy, five Council staff have been part of the first cohort to complete the three-year Social Worker (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) programme.  

As well as having a recognised undergraduate degree to put on their CV and support their future career development, staff have been learning valuable experience in social care at the same time, particularly with the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic in recent years.

Sophie, one member of Council staff who has successfully completed a degree, said: “I loved the experience and learnt so much.

“My placements have helped inform my decision about where I wanted to work after I achieved my qualification.

“Achieving good grades in assignments and celebrating with colleagues has been a great part of the apprenticeship programme.”

Laura, another apprentice as part of the programme, commented: “As I’d never attended university before, I was apprehensive about starting a degree as I didn’t know what to expect or what would be expected of me, but I felt instantly at ease.

“The support is incredible and, from the academic side of things to wellbeing to making sure I’m on the right path with regular reviews and check ins, all the staff really care about you as an individual.”

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of the Council, added: “We like to provide as many opportunities as possible for our staff and this apprenticeship programme is a great example.

“Many more staff have joined this programme since and will be completing their apprenticeships through the University of Chester in the coming years.

“The support our Adult Social Care and Children’s Social Care teams provide for residents is crucial and it’s important we have a workforce with the right values and skills.

“Providing apprenticeships is a fantastic way to help people study while gaining hands-on experience, with plenty of support throughout the whole process.

“We have exciting opportunities for new staff to join our teams and this apprenticeship programme is something you might be able to access in the future to support your career development.”

There are plenty of opportunities to join the Council in both Adult Social Care and Children’s Social Care, offering a range of benefits.

• Competitive pay for the sector, with a ‘grow your own’ culture and opportunities to progress to more senior roles
• An excellent pension scheme, with significant employer contributions
• A generous holiday allowance of 26 days pro rata, increasing to 31 days after five years of continuous service
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Employee benefits and rewards

For the latest opportunities at the Council, visit: 

cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/jobs.

Pictured - Five Council staff have been part of the first cohort to complete the three-year Social Worker (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) programme.