New graduates join council social work programme

The eight students recently started the programme with the council

Eight graduates are starting a career in children's social work by getting hands on experience in Wolverhampton.

The city council is working with the charity Frontline, which gives the graduates intensive practical and academic training over the next three years.

They will work with young people and families while qualifying as a social worker in the first year, followed by their Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) in the second year, and a Masters qualification in the final year, the council said.

Participant Katelan Follows said the programme was "busy and challenging" but she felt like she was making a difference.

The graduates are the ninth group to join the council as part of the Approach Social Work training and development programme and started earlier in the autumn, the council said.

The focus of their work will be within children's social care services, but they will also be given experience of adult social care, disability services and fostering.

Earlier this year, 25 of the city's social workers, as well as two teams, were recognised by the British Association of Social Workers for the work they do.

The council has also been praised for maintaining its turnover of social work staff below the national average for the past two years.

Participant Kim Edmunds said she was happy to be selected for the programme.

"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."

Ms Follows added "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."

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, cabinet member for children, young people and education, said the programme has provided the authority with numerous social workers who have gone on to be employed by 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."