GA in Social Work pilot experience summary

Introduction

The Standards and Framework  and Occupational Profile  – the national apprenticeship framework that underpins the degree qualification – for the Graduate Apprenticeship in Social Work were developed during 2025 by an Apprenticeship Delivery Group (ADG), led by Skills Development Scotland.

The ADG comprised membership from across the social work sector, including representatives from the Scottish Social Services Council (the sector regulator), the Scottish Funding Council, the Scottish Government, universities, local authorities, COSLA, and UNISON. Being able to draw upon a range of expertise, perspectives, and comprehensive understanding of the skills and knowledge that apprentices would require, ensured the resulting documents would be relevant and fit for purpose.

Acting as both the technical writers for the national documents and as the pilot learning provider, the University of the West of Scotland also developed their own undergraduate programme to deliver the pilot of the work-based, BA (Hons) Social Work (Graduate Apprenticeship).

The pilot phase lasted for one academic year (2025-2026) with a cohort of 26 apprentices across 5 employers. The cohort represented a diverse mix of rural and urban geographical spread, demographics and experience. As an integrated, work-based degree this model supports individuals to remain in their communities whilst earning and studying. Aimed at widening access to the social work profession, the model supports local recruitment and retention.

This may be through external recruitment into organisations or by providing a pathway for development of existing employees. The pilot cohort were from the latter category of candidates, and employers reported receiving large numbers of applications for the programme, evidencing the level of demand indicated during earlier engagement.

As part of the quality assurance process, and embedding a culture of continuous improvement, feedback has been regularly gathered from all parties involved in the pilot phase – the teaching staff, the employers and the apprentices. Learning from this feedback has already supported positive adaptions to programme delivery and views will continue to be sought to ensure that all participants can have a high-quality experience that meets their needs. 

The feedback included in the summary report is intended to inform and support future apprentices, employers and learning providers.