apprentice social worker Review
at Barnsley Council
Degree Apprenticeship
Social Work
Barnsley, South Yorkshire
Review Submitted: April 2025
Overall Rating
4.5 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4.5/5
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Overview of Role
5/5
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Skills Development
4.2/5
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Structure and Support
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis:
4/5
so far during this apprentice program i have had the opportunity to experience a number of roles. after the apprentice academy i have had the opportunity to work with the practice development hub, quality assurance and targeted early help. i am currently working in IFD helping screen referrals and i am shortly going to be moving on to the assessment team.
To what extent do you enjoy your programme?
5/5
i feel very lucky to have been given this opportunity as most apprentices don't get the chance to work in every part of the service. when my apprenticeship has finished i will have been through all the different services in social care. doing this will develop my knowledge of social work massively and ensure i have all the skills required for good social work practice
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills or developed existing skills?
5/5
Empathy and Compassion: Understanding and addressing the emotional and practical needs of clients.
Communication: Effectively communicating with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
my communication skills have developed my talking and communicating with family's that have a variety of needs. My critical thinking has developed by analysing situations and making informed decisions under supervision. Being adaptable is a skill i develop every day, being able to adapt new ways of thinking and try different learning styles is essential.
Communication: Effectively communicating with clients, colleagues, and other stakeholders.
my communication skills have developed my talking and communicating with family's that have a variety of needs. My critical thinking has developed by analysing situations and making informed decisions under supervision. Being adaptable is a skill i develop every day, being able to adapt new ways of thinking and try different learning styles is essential.
Structure and Support
How well organised/structured is your programme?
4/5
some changes in plans and mentors is inevitable with the changes of staff. however with our new mentors the communication has been much better and if we ever have an issue or are unsure about dates we can always get InTouch with a mentor for reassurance.
How much support do you receive from your employer?
5/5
my employer can not do enough to support us, i have multiple and regular types of supervisions to ensure my development and personal wellbeing. if i ever have an issue i always know who i can go to and my mentor is really good at supporting me. any issues i had had have been delt with appropriately and timely
How much support do you receive from your training provider when working towards your qualifications?
4/5
i have regular APR meetings to review my academic progress and ensure that i am on track. i also have and academic adviser to support me with assignments and more.
How well do you feel that your qualification (through your training provider) helps you to perform better in your role?
4/5
the qualification is essential for the role as a social worker and learning about theories behind social work help give me a deeper understanding of why service users may be acting in a certain way. it also help predict what might happen for example the ACEs theory and the impact that has on children and familys.
Are there extra-curricular activities to get involved in at your work? (For example, any social activities, sports teams, or even professional networking events.)
4/5
there is a social work forum ever 4 weeks that has a variety of guest speakers and different
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Barnsley Council to a friend?
Yes
Why?
i feel my opportunity has given me a unique and valuable experience to develop my knowledge. i have learnt so much in the short amount of time i have been here and i always feel supported in my development and learning.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Barnsley Council?
Take advantage of any resources provided by Barnsley Council, such as their online application system and guidance documents. These can offer valuable insights into what the council is looking for in candidates. emphasize any previous experience you have that is relevant to the role you are applying for. This could include specific projects, roles, or responsibilities that showcase your suitability for the position
Familiarize yourself with Barnsley Council’s vision and values. Understanding their goals and how they aim to serve the community can help you align your application with their mission
Familiarize yourself with Barnsley Council’s vision and values. Understanding their goals and how they aim to serve the community can help you align your application with their mission
