The Scottish Government’s Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs visited University of the West of Scotland (UWS) on Wednesday 28 January to find out more about the innovative approach taken to addressing Social Work shortages in Scotland.

Angela Constance MSP met with students and employers at UWS’s Paisley campus and heard directly about their experiences of being the inaugural cohort at the formal launch of Scotland’s first Social Work Graduate Apprenticeship.

In June 2024, there was an overall vacancy rate of 9.3% across Scottish local authority social work services.

 

 

The BA (Hons) Social Work Graduate Apprenticeship is a degree designed for those ready to enter the world of social work and gain a professional qualification while in full-time, paid employment, offering students a flexible route to qualify as a registered Social Worker while remaining in paid employment.

Twenty-six students form the first cohort of students from five employers, featuring four local authorities and the charity, Kibble. The programme is supported by Skills Development Scotland (SDS), the Scottish Government, the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), and a dedicated Industry Advisory Group composed of key employers and stakeholders.

Ms Constance, who was accompanied by Joanna Macdonald, the new National Chief Social Work Adviser, spoke to students, and discussed their motivations for joining the programme and how UWS supports them in their studies. She also heard from staff about the launch of the Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work and its role in strengthening the social work workforce. 

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance said: "Social workers make a tangible difference to people's lives every day, and I was delighted to meet with the inaugural cohort of apprentices to formally launch the new Graduate Apprenticeship programme at the University of the West of Scotland.

"We know the demand for social work continues to grow which is why it's so important we create new, flexible routes into the profession that can attract talented and passionate people from all backgrounds and at different stages of their careers.

We know the demand for social work continues to grow which is why it's so important we create new, flexible routes into the profession that can attract talented and passionate people from all backgrounds and at different stages of their careers.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs, Angela Constance

"The apprenticeship programme is a great example of how to achieve that. Partners across the sector have worked together to open up this work-based route into social work for people who might not have been able to access traditional pathways, allowing them to earn while they learn and gain hands-on experience from day one.”

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at UWS, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome the Cabinet Secretary to University of the West of Scotland and formally launch the Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work. The event brought together students, employers, and relevant agencies to recognise the collaborative effort that created this significant programme, which responds directly to workforce needs and strengthens the social work profession in Scotland.

“As a leader in widening participation in higher education and creating educational opportunities for all, we see the significant opportunities for learners and the wider community in the Graduate Apprenticeship model, supporting new routes to degree level education.”

As a leader in widening participation in higher education and creating educational opportunities for all, we see the significant opportunities for learners and the wider community in the Graduate Apprenticeship model, supporting new routes to degree level education.

Professor James Miller, Principal and Vice-Chancellor at UWS

The design and development of Scottish Apprenticeships are being reviewed and refreshed through an industry-led approach to ensure skills and qualifications are not only fit for purpose, but fit for the future. Co-ordinated by Skills Development Scotland, employers are at the centre of the design and construction of apprenticeships to ensure they are relevant, adaptable and create the skills they need.