Plymouth City Council (PCC) are pleased to offer an exciting opportunity to train as a Social Worker, commencing in September 2026. Through our partnership with the Open University, we offer a sponsored three‑year social work degree apprenticeship, which combines work and study. On successful qualification, applicants will be able to register for the protected title of “Social Worker” and will be eligible to apply for employment with Plymouth City Council’s Children, Young People and Families Service.
Entry Requirements
* Have GCSE grade 9–4/A*–C/Functional/Key Skills Level 2 in English and maths, or a certified equivalent.
* Have the right to live and work in England.
* Demonstrate the potential to study at undergraduate level.
* Agree to an enhanced DBS with lists check (checks against all registers including both children and vulnerable adults). This will be separately undertaken by the Open University.
* Complete a health check administered by both Plymouth City Council and the Open University. If, in exceptional circumstances, there are serious doubts about your fitness to practice on health grounds, you may be asked to undergo a medical examination. This examination could be at your own expense.
* Be ready to pursue a full‑time course that will predominantly run Monday to Friday 9‑5pm.
Pay and Benefits
Plymouth City Council will employ successful appointees as a full‑time Trainee Social Worker from August 2026. Salary: Grade F, £33,699 per annum. Successful appointees who are already employed by Plymouth City Council on Grade F will maintain their current salary. Plymouth City Council will sponsor the appointee for the duration of their social work apprenticeship and will pay all Open University fees for the BA (Hons) Social Worker Degree Apprenticeship. On completion of the apprenticeship, the appointee will be able to apply for a position as a Newly Qualified Social Worker (Grade G £37,280.00) on Plymouth’s nationally leading Early Career Framework.
Applications
Applications should be submitted via the Plymouth City Council recruitment page. The role is open to internal and external applicants. The application deadline is 27th April 2026.
Plymouth City Council is an equal opportunities employer. All applicants will be considered for employment regardless of age, care experience, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, race, religion/belief, sex or sexual orientation. As part of our commitment to promoting equality we offer guaranteed interviews to those who meet the essential criteria and are considered disabled, care experienced or are an Armed Forces Service Leaver within the last two years. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship and we can only consider applicants with existing right to work in the UK.
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