Working with social workers inspired us to become one
Most people who started the social work degree apprenticeship at the University of Lancashire in 2026 already work for the County Council.
27 apprentices began a three‑year degree programme which allows them to work while studying one day a week.
The apprenticeship is funded by the Growth and Skills Levy, and once they graduate the apprentices will be supported to secure a social worker position.
All 13 adult services apprentices are internal candidates, while children's services are supporting 14 apprentices; some who work for the authority, and others who have been recruited from outside the Council.
We are sharing their stories during National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from 9th to 15th February.
Ollie Daley is a Child and Youth Justice Worker and was inspired by friends and colleagues to apply for the degree programme.
He said:
"I wish I'd been told about a career like social work when I was at school as social workers do an amazing job and I want to do the same.
"I'm really passionate about using creativity in my work. My background is in theatre and teaching drama to young people, so I've always used my creativity to make things more engaging in my current role.
"If I wasn't working here, I would probably have had to leave a job to be able to study, so this is a really good opportunity."
Jenna Jackson is a Social Care Support Officer (SCSO) within adult services and first heard about social work while on the other side of the world.
She said:
"In my 20's I travelled around Australia and met two Irish girls who were social workers and I thought it was something I'd love to do, and now here I am, years later, starting my apprenticeship.
"This is the only way that I would ever be able to complete a degree. Doing it while working is perfect and I feel like I'm hitting the ground running with the experience I already have."
Julie Bowling is an Early Help Officer within children's services and said:
"It does give you an edge working alongside social workers as you pick things up from them.
"We take a strength-based approach and I always see the best in people so I'm happy to embrace whatever's thrown at me and help as many people as I can."
Sarah Rosella is a Social Care Support Officer (SCSO) for the short term support service which is part of adult services.
She said:
"I've always wanted to do the degree, but it's just never been the right time until now.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge, learning new things and dealing with more complex cases, and this feels like the natural progression."
Councillor Matthew Salter, cabinet member for Education and Skills, said:
"Social workers make a real difference to people's lives across Lancashire every day, and it’s inspiring that so many of our staff are developing their career so they can support more people.
"The experience they already have will be invaluable as they hit the ground running and this is a real investment in the future of social care in Lancashire."
Martin Blunt, Head of the University of Lancashire’s Enterprise and Engagement Unit, added:
"By combining academic study with hands-on practice, these apprentices will not only gain the knowledge they need, but also the confidence, resilience and real-world experience required for one of the most important roles in public service. We are incredibly proud to support them at the start of their journey and look forward to walking alongside them every step of the way as they progress towards becoming Lancashire’s next generation of qualified social workers."