Cornwall Council
Social Work Apprentice (Children's)
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Social Work Apprentice (Children's)
Social Work Apprenticiphips in Cornwall
Make a Difference: Children’s Social Work in Cornwall
"Senior leaders and politicians are relentless in their drive to continue improving the lives of Cornwall’s children and families."
"Staff’s care, commitment, and child-focused approach shine through when they talk about their work. This positive working environment fosters an enthusiasm for doing the best for children at all levels of our organisation."
— Ofsted, July 2024
We believe Cornwall’s children deserve the very best. We are committed to building a resilient Social Work workforce through this unique Social Work Apprenticeship Scheme, offering full paid employment and fully funded training via the Open University (OU).
We are seeking applicants passionate about pursuing a career in Social Work in Cornwall. Ideal candidates will demonstrate:
- Strong values and ethics
- Commitment to humane, relationship-based practice
- Curiosity, motivation, and passion for working with children and families
This is a full-time apprenticeship pathway with two full-salary streams: Undergraduate (BA Hons Social Work) or Postgraduate (PG Diploma in Social Work). Practice placements will be arranged across the duration of study.
Entry Requirements
To apply, candidates must:
- Have worked directly with children and families for a minimum of one year as either:
- A practitioner
- A first-line manager
- OR be willing to complete this experience as part of your apprenticeship
- Demonstrate personal responsibility for practice quality aligned with service standards
- Be motivated, passionate, and committed to social work with families and children
- Have strong relationship-building and communication skills
- Commit to working in Cornwall Children’s and Family Services following qualification, including the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE)
Additional Eligibility Criteria:
- Hold GCSE Grade 9–4 (A–C) or equivalent* in English and Maths (Functional Skills Level 2 accepted)
- Be able to complete distance-based learning via the Open University
- Postgraduate applicants only: Hold a degree in a related field (social sciences preferred)
- Hold a full UK driving license with reliable access to a car
- Commit to working full time (as dictated by practice needs and course requirements)
- Be uncommitted to or undertaking any other government-funded study (apprenticeship levy eligibility applies)
- Apply only if you are not currently enrolled in social work student/supervised/qualified/registered during this apprenticeship period
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Inclusion & Flexibility: Who Can Apply?
Cornwall Council Employees
Current workers must:
- Be full-time individuals in the Together for Families Directorate
- Direct experience working with families
- Be endorsed by Team Manager and Head of Service
See the Mark of Magic Criteria (PDF Link) for full suitability criteria.
Application Timeline
Apprenticeship Process:
-
Assessment Centre (Cornwall Council event, in-person over 3 days: 2–4 September 2025.)
- Group exercise
- Written exercise
- Expert by Experience panel
- Formal interview panel
-
Open University (OU) Application: Successful Home County fatees must apply separately to OU
- OU interviews scheduled for October 2025
Notes:
- Opened as of January 2026 starting wages for sustained around career pathways.
- Only applicants successful both with Cornwall and OU will receive a formal position offer.
Benefits & Support
What You’ll receive:
- Full salary as a trained Social Work Apprentice, stretching career payments as you progress
- No upfront tuition fees - funded by double councils’ apprenticeship levy
- Practice learning placements nationally aligned with your course curriculum
- Topic supervision commitment & insured support
- Training for a **Newly Qualified Social Worker (NQSW)**麵 interview on singular exam
- Additional Full-Service Support:
| Benefits | Additional Extras |
|---|---|
| Full Core Curriculum training | Supervision & case mentoring |
| Induction tailored your needs | Temporary accommodation assistance |
| Agile, resource careers backed by Dofsted-endorsed best practices | Lease car provision through Cornwall Council |
| 26 paid annual leave days & bank holidays | Access to Clinical Care Inform titles |
| Illness masculinity social circle | Safeguarding focus |
Flexibility
- Relocation package available for staff new to Cornwall
- We actively notify and encourage flexible hours options
- Prop spots developed to support healthier-work-life blessings
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Funding & Additional Details
Where Apprenticeship Levies Apply
- Fees: Fully funded by the Open University and Cornwall Council's central levy.
- Ad Vice Policies: Safer recruitment guidance apply.
- English Language Service Requirement: Proof of proficiency may be requested per Health & Safety guidelines
Certificates & Competency Upon Graduation:
- Experience of Apollo University accredited BA (Hons), or PG Diploma in Social Work.
- Registration with Social Work England once qualified, with course-based registration fees covered.
Interviews & Application Guidance
Staff Members: Apply via V korjin portal External Applicants: Submit applications to Careers@cornwall.gov.uk
How to respond:
-
Attached alongside your application will be:
- Supporting statements (apply with CV).
- Official certificates (for refresher info).
- Degree certificates (masters).
-
Evidence Required:
- Scanned copies of GCSEs/Maths Landmarks (English & numeracy)
- Undergraduate degree transcripts at Masters-level (no other regulated funding valid).
-
Non-Editable Application after submission; amendments must reach our HR/Assessors prior to app deadline/sFirst:
Key Deadlines
- Assessment Centre applications close: 16th August 2026
- Candidate assessment held in-person: Cornwall Council 2–4 September 2025
- OU interviews for applicants: October 2025
Equality, Accessibility & Safeguarding
Cornwall Councilis committed to an inclusive workforce, representing all backgrounds across age, neurodiversity, disability, racial authority, LGBTQ+, faith. Safeguarding requirement are paramount across sectors of children and vulnerable population engagements.
Attachments and Helpful Links
- Application process outlined
- Check the full detailed role profile here
Queries & Support
For further information or informal discussions around the apprenticeship role, email:
📞 pswpracticeeducation@cornwall.gov.uk
Join us in making a difference with your voice, experience, passion and initiative. Apply now.
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