National developments
Find out about about social work education policy and projects being developed.
Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work
Skills Development Scotland developed the GA with support from the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and partners across the social work sector.
You can read more about the GA and other routes to becoming a social worker on the Qualifying Pathways page.
At present, the University of the University of the West of Scotland is the only learning provider. Two groups of apprentices are currently progressing through the degree programme.
The national Standards and Framework
The Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Social Work is based on a national Standards and Framework and an Occupational Profile. These help make sure the apprenticeship is consistent across Scotland.
Universities can design their own courses to deliver the Standards and Framework, giving them flexibility to meet local needs.
The apprenticeship takes up to 4 years to complete. It combines university study with learning in the workplace. Apprentices who successfully complete the course will graduate with a BA (Hons) in Social Work (GA).
At present, the University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is the only university offering this apprenticeship. Other universities may offer their own programmes in future.
Get information on GA in Social Work on the UWS website.
Visit the Apprenticeships website for more general GA information. Here are direct links to the Standards and Framework, and the Occupational Profile:
Local learning partnerships
Local learning partnerships (LLPs) are a model of formal locally-led collaborations between social work employers and education providers. They’re designed to strengthen and support social work education and ongoing workforce development.
Two information packs are available to help you learn more about LLPs.
General Information pack
This gives an overview of:
- the purpose of LLPs
- their core components
- the development support available
Download the General information pack (PDF)
Exploring readiness pack
This outlines:
- the approach to information sessions
- the mandatory components of LLPs
- guidance on evaluating readiness
- a self-evaluation tool
Download the Exploring Readiness pack (PDF)
The Scottish Government has set out how investment in social work education will support testing of the LLP model.
Developing a national training plan for social workers
From autumn 2026, we’ll ask for your suggestions on learning and skills priorities.
Working with you, we’ll develop a national training plan for all social workers, across every service area.
The SSSC will work with us, and will consult with partners and with you, to review existing specialist social work awards.
We want to understand what’s currently available and what future demand looks like.
We want to know whether additional specialist pathways are needed to support you and the people you work with.