Social Work Graduate Apprenticeship approved for national rollout
Graduate Apprenticeship (GA) in Social Work approved for rollout by university providers across Scotland as a new cohort starts in September 2026.
The GA in Social Work has reached a significant milestone. The Scottish Funding Council (SFC) has confirmed that the programme can now be taken forward by university providers across Scotland, following the successful pilot delivered by the University of the West of Scotland (UWS).
The announcement follows the completion of the pilot year’s evaluation process, led by SFC as part of its quality assurance arrangements.
The milestone also marks an important achievement for the first cohort of 26 apprentices, who have successfully completed the pilot year of the programme and are now progressing to the next stage of their studies. We send them our congratulations!
Developed through national collaboration across the social work sector, the GA in Social Work provides an additional route into the profession. It combines workplace learning with academic study. It creates opportunities for people who may not be able to access traditional pathways into social work education.
Paul O’Connor, an apprentice from Renfrewshire Council, said:
‘I feel very fortunate to be part of this programme. It’s offered me an opportunity to develop and progress my career in social work which I didn’t think I would have had. I personally have financial and parenting responsibilities that meant I would not have been able to leave my employment or go part-time to study. I’m able to keep my current job, continuing to receive my salary, allowing minimal disruption to my personal and family life.
'I also feel that this course has a unique benefit of studying alongside working. I am able to link the academic work directly to my practice. This meaningful style of learning has really allowed me to consolidate the learning from the course.’
Victoria McGuinness, an apprentice with South Lanarkshire Council, said:
‘Being part of the GA programme has really increased my confidence professionally. I’m able to take the knowledge and skills I’m developing through the course and apply them directly to my practice, which has helped me feel more capable, confident and valued within my workplace.’
In a letter to universities across Scotland, the SFC confirmed that the successful pilot delivery by UWS, alongside positive evaluation by the Scottish Social Services Council, Skills Development Scotland, the Scottish Government and the SFC, means the programme can now be taken forward by other university providers.
Universities wishing to deliver the graduate apprenticeship will have to complete validation processes in line with SFC guidance, demonstrate alignment with the national Standard and Framework, and ensure all professional and regulatory requirements are met.
Philip McGuinness, Assistant Director, Skills and Coherent Provision at the SFC, said:
‘The national roll-out of the Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work is a significant milestone for the sector. It demonstrates what can be achieved through strong collaboration between universities, employers and public bodies, creating new pathways into the profession while supporting the development of a skilled and sustainable social work workforce for Scotland.’
Joanna Macdonald, Chief Executive of the National Social Work Agency, and National Chief Social Work Adviser to the Scottish Government, said:
‘This is an important milestone for social work in Scotland and a testament to the commitment shown by the apprentices, employers, universities and partners who have helped shape the programme.
‘The Graduate Apprenticeship creates an additional route into a rewarding profession, opening opportunities for people who may not be able to access traditional pathways while supporting employers to develop their workforce.
'The successful pilot demonstrates the strength of partnership workng across the sector and our shared commitment to investing in the future of social work.
‘As we look towards wider delivery across Scotland, we are helping to build a more diverse, skilled and sustainable social work workforce that will support people, families and communities for years to come.’
As the first cohort progresses through the programme, a further 34 apprentices from seven local authority areas are beginning their social work studies at UWS this term. The success of the pilot has created a strong foundation for future expansion and opening new routes into social work.
Social work sector partners, including universities, will continue to explore opportunities to expand support that will help to build the diverse, skilled and sustainable workforce that Scotland’s communities need.