Exciting Social Work Apprenticeship Opportunity! This is your chance to kickstart a meaningful career with a real impact. Apply now and take the first step toward becoming a qualified social worker! Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you want to earn while you learn and develop a rewarding career in social work? We are offering a Social Work Apprenticeship starting in September 2026 where you will gain hands-on experience, a professional qualification, and the opportunity to support individuals, families, and communities. Posts are available in the following Teams: Safeguarding Team Learning Disability Team Apprentices will be employed as Social Care Officers on a 3-year fixed term contact. The successful candidates would work 37 hours per week potentially across 7 days. Once qualified, a social work post will be offered. A degree apprenticeship is a great opportunity, whatever your age. On this degree apprenticeship you will attend Warwick University one day per week – alternating between face to face and online learning. You will evidence your learning through assignments and on the job activities. You will be supported by your team, your line manager, a university tutor and a designated Practice Educator in your workplace. This is an exciting time to join Sandwell Adult Social Care. Our social work academy will provide support and development opportunities throughout your ASYE and through your social work career. We believe in a culture of trust, inclusivity and empowerment to unlock potential and strengthen the social workforce. What We Offer: Paid apprenticeship with a structured learning program Work alongside experienced social workers Fully funded qualification in social work Supportive and inclusive working environment Real-life experience in helping people overcome challenges We offer up to 36 days annual leave, depending upon service and the option to purchase up to an additional 10 days leave as well as a generous pension scheme. Who We're Looking For: Passionate about helping others Strong communication and problem-solving skills Committed to learning and professional development A team player with empathy and resilience Some experience of social care whether in a professional or personal capacity Successful candidates will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS with Children and Adults barring check. Eligibility criteria – please refer to the person specification and the Professional Capabilities Framework at Entry Level. In addition: You must have Level 2 English – certificate required Expectation to remain in employment with Sandwell for three years post qualification Under the Department for Education’s Apprenticeship Funding Rules, an apprentice must hold confirmed immigration permission that covers the full duration of the programme, including the end-point assessment. For the 2026 cohort, this required permission to remain in the UK until at least 7 July 2029. Applicants must be available for interview on 13 th and 15 th May. The Application Process Please read the guidance below to aid your application. Click here Point of entry to training | BASW to read the Professional Capabilities Framework at entry level which must be referred to throughout your personal statement CV's and a covering letter need to be sent to SocialWork_Academy@sandwell.gov.uk Closing date: Midday on 6 th May 2026 We reserve the right to close vacancies prior to their advertised date if we receive a large number of applications. Shortlisted applicants will be called for interview. On successful completion of interview, a further assessment day will take place with Warwick University. Applicants who pass both stages will be considered for the programme, however if there are more successful applicants than available places those with the highest scores during the interview processes will be considered first. For an informal discussion, please contact: SocialWork_Academy@sandwell.gov.uk Or Lisa Forbes (Practice Educator) – Lisa_Forbes@sandwell.gov.uk Or Teresa Halliday (Practice Educator) - Teresa_Halliday@sandwell.gov.uk Or Rachel Smith (Principal Social Worker) – Rachel_Smith@sandwell.gov.uk If you are an internal candidate and currently at risk, please let the recruiting manager know. If you wish to apply as Care Leaver or a Disability Confident candidate, please make sure to state this when submitting your CV. If you have a disability and require assistance in making an application, or have experienced a problem whilst applying for a position, please contact hr_resourcing@sandwell.gov.uk For more information about working for Sandwell Council, our recruitment process and our offer to you please visit https://www.sandwell.gov.uk/counciljobs Click here to find out more about our One Team Framework: Values and Behaviours