The council has once again teamed up with national charity Frontline to give people a unique route into the profession, through which they will benefit from intensive practical and academic training tailored to their needs.
Dozens of people applied to take part with the 8 successful candidates – Elisha Selman, Pyal Mehta, Kim Edmunds, Priya Verma, Georgina Palmer, Katelan Follows, Rabiah Saleem and Kavita Heer – taking part in a readiness for practice programme before arriving in Wolverhampton earlier this autumn.
Over the next 3 years they will work with children, young people and their families while qualifying as a social worker in their first year, their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) in their second year, and a fully funded Masters qualification in their third year.
Although the focus of their work will be within children’s social care services, the group will also be given experience of adult social care, disability services and fostering.
Councillor Jacqui Coogan, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: “We are delighted to be teaming up with Frontline again this year to offer this unique introduction to social work and to give 8 more graduates the chance to learn through practice whilst they are also supported in their academic studies.
“The Approach Social Work programme has provided the council with numerous qualified social workers over the years, all of whom have completed an intense programme of both academic and practical studies working with some of our most vulnerable families in Wolverhampton and who have gone on to take permanent positions within the council.
“This is really important, particularly given the recruitment pressures there are within social work nationally – a trend our participation in programmes such as this is helping us to buck.
“We know Wolverhampton is a great place to practice social work, and I would like to welcome our latest cohort to the council and wish them the very best as they embark on their social work careers in our city.”
Participant Kim Edmunds said: “I’m so happy I was chosen for the Approach Social Work programme. It started off with an induction which was fast paced. I had a wonderful time on the residential meeting my hub, the rest of the cohort and the tutors, and it has so far been a year I’ll never forget.
“I’ve learned so much and met some amazing people, including my Consultant Social Worker Hayley Parker and Practice Tutor Justine Howell. I’m looking forward to the remainder of the year, completing my studies and becoming a qualified social worker, working collaboratively and restoratively with children and families, being by their side and watching them grow and thrive.”
Fellow participant Katelan Follows added: “The Approach Social Work programme has been a real learning curve – it’s busy and challenging, but the support is solid and you really feel like you’re making a difference.
“It’s early days, but I’m already starting to see how it’s shaping me and helping me build confidence in the role. Balancing study with placement and managing new responsibilities has been tough at times, but it’s helping me build resilience and learn how to manage real life pressures.”
For more information about the Approach Social Work programme, please visit Frontline.
