Social Worker
Developing the social workers of the future.
Backed by Social Work England, this apprenticeship builds social work skills across adult, child, family, and mental health services.
For local authorities, it’s a great way to grow your team. You can use it to upskill current staff or attract new talent into your social work provision.
For apprentices - launch a fulfilling career practicing as a social worker. You’ll study towards a degree, gain real experience in the workplace. All with no tuition fees.
Partner with ARU to ensure the capability of your social work team meets organisational and community demands.
Why apprenticeships at ARU?
We’ll help you reap the benefits of talent acquisition through apprenticeships.
-
Approved against Social Work England’s education and training standards
-
Develop staff or new recruits into qualified Social Workers
-
Delivers impact in the workplace as your apprentice progresses
-
Apprentices learn from experts in academia and work
-
Shape their approach with your values from day one
-
Reinvest Levy funds to cover the cost of the apprenticeship
gained the transferable skills required for their job.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report
-
Grow your workforce: Discover how employers are developing talent, closing skills gaps and creating future-ready teams through apprenticeships.
-
![Construction Site Supervisor degree apprentice Nieve and her employer, Mark, on site in hi vis on a sunny, clear day]()
Grow your workforce: Discover how employers are developing talent, closing skills gaps and creating future-ready teams through apprenticeships.
Whether you’re new to social care or have experience, we’ll help you launch your career as a qualified social worker.
-
Approved by Social Work England
-
Earn while you learn, with the support of an employer
-
Work-based approach delivers impact as you learn
-
Get support from experienced academic and workplace staff
-
Study for a BA (Hons), with no tuition fees
-
Learn to work with others - police, healthcare, probation and schools
of alumni would recommend apprenticeships to their peers.
Source: ARU degree apprenticeships impact report
-
Our apprentices share how degree apprenticeships are helping them earn while they learn, develop career-ready skills and build confidence alongside their work and personal commitments.
-
![An employer and two degree apprentices sitting at computers in an office]()
Our apprentices share how degree apprenticeships are helping them earn while they learn, develop career-ready skills and build confidence alongside their work and personal commitments.
Talent development
Recruitment support for employers
Our dedicated apprenticeship team is on hand to help you attract the best candidates for your organisation. We can help with:
- crafting job advertisements
- promoting your vacancy to our quality candidate mailing lists
- adding your vacancy to the National Apprenticeship Service
- sharing opportunities across our social media channels.
Our consultants can also help you to assess candidates' suitability.
Speak to our consultants
We're on-hand to guide you through the process, from initial interest to onboarding.
Develop the skills and knowledge to become a SWE approved Social Worker.
Passionate about supporting vulnerable adults and children? The Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship offers a hands-on, work-based route into a rewarding career.
Programme content
Approved by SWE
Our programme is aligned to both the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviours of the Apprenticeship Standard, and to the Professional Standards of Proficiency with Social Work England. It supports the development of social work skills across a wide range of settings, including services for adults, children and families, and mental health.
Approved by Social Work England
This course has been approved against Social Work England’s education and training standards. This means that when you successfully complete the course, you meet their professional standards and can apply to register with them. All social workers who want to work in England must be registered.
Entry requirements
Employers set out the person specifications for the role, but apprentices will need to meet our entry requirements to be accepted onto this course. You must provide evidence when you apply, to be invited to interview.
- Employment in a suitable role on a permanent contract exceeding 30 hours per week.
- Minimum Level 2 English or equivalent qualification and meet age-related Maths requirements as outlined by the DfE.*
- Evidence of Level 3 study in a related subject. We accept A Levels, T Levels, BTECs, OCR, Access to HE and most other qualifications within the UCAS Tariff.
- Pass an interview with your employer and ARU.
- A completed Skills Scan and Initial Assessment discussion.
- Applicants who do not meet the above academic requirements will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may require extra assessments.
- An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. A satisfactory Overseas Criminal Record Check/Local Police Certificate is also required, in addition to a DBS check, if you have lived outside of the UK in the last five years for six months or more.
*All applicants must meet the eligibility criteria outlined by the DfE Apprenticeship Funding Rules applicable at the start of the course. If you have any questions about these entry requirements, please contact [email protected]
Fees and funding
Degree apprenticeships are a smart investment. You can reinvest Growth and Skills Levy funds to cover the cost of an apprenticeship and receive funding support from the Government.
If you operate in England and your annual payroll is over £3 million, you will pay the Growth and Skills Levy at a rate of 0.5% of the payroll value in excess of £3 million, into a government-provided digital account.
Apprenticeships are paid for by your employer. You won’t pay any tuition fees on this course.
Our team of experts is here to help form your organisation’s apprenticeship offering and guide you through the process.
Speak to your employer about this course and how it could be beneficial for your development.
Our expert consultants can meet with you and your employer to make setting up simple and straightforward.
Finding an apprenticeship role
To start an apprenticeship, you need to be in a suitable role and have the support of your employer.