Univeristy welcomes its first social work apprentices | News

October 2026

First social work apprentices begin studies at University College Birmingham

By Claire Huggins

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Main image: handwritten Post-it notes reflect the hopes and fears of the new social work apprentices as they start their learning journey

University College Birmingham (UCB) has welcomed its first social work apprentices, marking a major milestone for programmes that recently received an exemplary approval outcome from Social Work England.

Apprentices on the Social Work Degree Apprenticeship BA (Hons) and Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship PGDip have begun their studies at the University, bringing a wealth of professional knowledge, life experience and diverse perspectives into the classroom.

Their arrival follows the approval of both programmes by Social Work England (SWE)earlier this year, whose inspectors recommended the provision for approval with no conditions and no recommendations. The inspection also highlighted the strength of the department’s partnerships with employers, learners and Experts by Experience (EbEs), alongside its focus on integrating social work theory with professional practice.

Dr Gemma Hunt, Head of Department for Social Work

The first cohorts were welcomed to University College Birmingham during two induction days designed to introduce the apprentices to their courses, academic teams and fellow learners.

Dr Gemma Hunt, Head of Department for Social Work, described the energy across the two days as “incredible”.

“After all the work that has gone into developing the programmes, it was a really special moment to finally welcome our first apprentices to UCB,” she said.

“There was such a fantastic energy across both induction days and a real sense of excitement about the journey ahead.

“We are delighted to be working with a number of local authority partners, alongside some of our long-standing healthcare employers, to bring these programmes to life.

“For us, this is about developing the next generation of social workers and creating a learning community where apprentices feel that they belong from the very beginning. I am incredibly proud of the team and all who have helped us reach this point.”

Connecting social work theory with professional practice

The programmes give apprentices an opportunity to develop their academic understanding while connecting their learning with their experience of professional practice.

Shar Randall, Programme Lead for the Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship PGDip, said the new learners had already begun building a strong learning community.

“From day one, there has been a real sense of community, and I’m looking forward to supporting learners as they explore the connections between social work theory and practice,” she said.

“As a cohort, they bring a wealth of life and professional experience, along with diverse perspectives that will enrich classroom discussions and create valuable opportunities for shared learning.”

The University has also welcomed the inaugural cohort of its Social Work Degree Apprenticeship BA (Hons).

Mandy Lewis, Programme Lead, said: “As apprentice learners, their knowledge, skills and valuable practice experience have already begun to enrich discussions that will further deepen their understanding of social work.

“As a programme team, we look forward to supporting their development and embracing every opportunity to learn, grow, and be curious and courageous throughout their social work journey.”

"As a programme team, we look forward to supporting their development and embracing every opportunity to learn, grow, and be curious and courageous throughout their social work journey."

Mandy Lewis Social Work Degree Apprenticeship BA (Hons) Programme Lead

The man in the photo is a UCB alumus returning to start a social work apprenticeship, he is seated wearing a black jacket and cream top. He has short black curly hair and a beard.

Dean Taylor-Bryant

Returning alumni continue their journeys at UCB

Among the first apprentices are former UCB students returning to the University to take the next step in their professional and academic development.

Dean Taylor-Bryant, a Social Work Apprentice PGDip who previously studied at UCB, said: “The team made us feel so welcome, and the day gave us a lovely insight into what to expect, balanced with light humour and friendly conversation.

“I am really looking forward to my university journey. Thank you for everything you have done over the last two years to create this course and give us all such a great opportunity.”

A student sits looking down at her work, she wears a bright blue tracksuit and a bandanna. She is one of the new students on UCB's social apprenticeship courses.

Chanelle Douglas joins classmates as the course gets underway

Fellow returning alumna and Social Work Apprentice PGDip Chanelle Douglas said coming back to UCB felt like a natural progression.

She said: “I am so happy to be back at UCB. I have always felt a great sense of belonging here.

“My undergraduate experience at UCB strengthened my confidence in academic studies and helped me believe in my own abilities. It’s fantastic that UCB now offers the postgraduate social work programme, and it feels like a natural progression for me following my undergraduate degree.”

Chanelle added that she was looking forward to developing her knowledge, learning from the other apprentices and eventually using her skills to support people in her community.

“The Social Work induction was fantastic,” she said. “The cohort are a wonderful group of people with a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience.

“The programme lecturers were incredibly warm and welcoming, which immediately made me feel part of the UCB community. I left feeling positive, motivated, and clear about what I need to do to be successful on the programme.

“I’m excited to be part of the first cohort of this new programme.”

Social work apprentices build a new learning community

Other members of the first cohorts also spoke about the warm welcome they received and the opportunity to learn from people with different experiences and perspectives.

Explaining her decision to begin training, Sara, a Social Work Apprentice BA (Hons), said that it felt like a natural step in her career progression.

“My colleagues kept telling me that I would make a fantastic social worker, so here I am!” she said.

Kirsty, another Social Work Apprentice BA (Hons) student, added: “I am really looking forward to the journey and to learning from others in the group.”

The launch puts into practice a model approved by Social Work England earlier in the year. The SWE report noted the collaborative course design, employer involvement, integration of theory and practice, and meaningful inclusion of people with lived experience. Inspectors found that employers had helped co-produce the course design and delivery model, while EbEs had contributed to developing modules, reviewing assessments and delivering the programmes.

Speaking at the time of SWE’s report, Gemma Hunt said: “For our learners, it provides confidence that they are undertaking a programme that is well-designed, rooted in contemporary social work practice, and reinforces our dedication to delivering high-quality social work education.”

The arrival of the first apprentices represents the next stage in the development of UCB’s social work provision, as its academic team, employer partners and learners build a new professional learning community together.

Find out more about our social work apprenticeships.

Banner image is a composite image created using AI from two original approved images.