Published on 02 December 2022
The University of Sunderland's first group of students from the the BA (Hons) Social Work (Integrated Degree Apprenticeship) programme have now graduated.
The 21 graduates picked up their scrolls at the at the Stadium of Light this week (Thursday 1 December).
Sarah Beck, Associate Head of School (Social Work, Community and Youth Work Studies) who led the development of the apprenticeship programme, said: “We are really proud of the achievements of our first social work apprentices and it was a pleasure to celebrate their graduation with them.
"The success of the programme is founded on strong relationships with our employer partners and we are very grateful for their continued support”
As the first cohort of apprentices on a brand new qualifying route into social work, they have achieved outstanding academic success in very challenging circumstances - having not long started the programme when COVID-19 hit. All of them were frontline workers during the pandemic - supporting adults, children and families across the region as part of their on-the-job learning.
There are now more than 100 apprentices in total on the programme, in partnership with all 12 local authorities in the north-east as well as other health and social care employers.
Many of the graduates have already gained employment as qualified social workers.