Council released staff one-day at week to study at UCLan
Lancashire County Council’s (LCC) first social work degree apprentices have graduated from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
The cohort has spent the last three years working for the Council and studying one-day a week at UCLan on what the first course of its kind to be offered by an English University.
The programme was designed in partnership with social work employers, service users and carers to upskill home grown talent. It has seen staff from Lancashire County Council, Blackburn with Darwen Council, Cumbria County Council, Blackpool Council, Warrington Council, Liverpool Metropolitan Council, Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust and several third sector organisations, including the Foxton Centre, sign up to develop their skills.
The degree apprentices followed the same teaching programme as undergraduates on the traditional BA (Hons) Social Work programme.
"The social work apprenticeship has provided me with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to effectively support young people to achieve the outcomes that are important to them."
— Lancashire County Council first social work degree apprentice graduate Danielle Fairclough
The LCC graduates donned their cap and gowns at UCLan’s Sir Tom Finney Sports Centre.
Graduate Danielle Fairclough, who supports young people with disabilities, autism, and mental health difficulties in her role within the transition team, said: “The social work apprenticeship has provided me with opportunities to develop the knowledge and skills to effectively support young people to achieve the outcomes that are important to them.”
Graduate Jordan Savage commented: “It’s been a tough three years but I can honestly say I’ve enjoyed the experience with UCLan and the degree apprenticeship. I’m already missing meeting up with the cohort that made it to achieving a degree studying through covid; something that adds an additional layer of pride in being part the first LCC cohort and pride in fellow graduates.
"I do think the apprenticeship is unique in that it allows professionals to contextualise the module learning directly within practice, making the theory and research more accessible than just the lecture theatre. "
— Lancashire County Council first social work degree apprentice graduate Jordan Savage
“I do think the apprenticeship is unique in that it allows professionals to contextualise the module learning directly within practice, making the theory and research more accessible than just the lecture theatre. The extra opportunity to guest speak was a real highlight for me and was a great experience that I’m grateful to staff at UCLan for.
“This has really aided in developing my own practice and confidence towards obtaining my current role as Social Worker within the multi-agency safeguarding hub.”
County Councillor Cosima Towneley, Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for children and families, said: "The Lancashire County Council family is delighted to welcome Jordan and Danielle as they graduate.
"Congratulations to them for all the hard work they put into the course and best wishes as they forge new professional relationships in their roles within the county council as part of the team delivering the care, opportunity and aspiration to the children and families of Lancashire."