• Suffolk County Council
• Address: Location/base in Suffolk and Hybrid working in a Community-based role
• Salary: £28,598 – £33,699 per annum
• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Contract: Fixed Term Apprenticeship for 3 years

At Suffolk County Council, we believe that when our people grow, our communities thrive. That is why we are looking for passionate Social Work Apprentices to join us.

Here, you will find more than just a job, you will discover opportunities to develop your skills, make a meaningful impact, and reimagine what’s possible.

Join our apprenticeship programme where you will study for a fully funded degree alongside working for Suffolk County Council as a Social Work Apprentice. Over the 3-year programme you will gain core skills and knowledge by working in our Children and Adult Services and through a programme of study at the University of Suffolk, Ipswich Campus.

Apprenticeships are available in a range of locations across Suffolk.

• Do you have at least 12 months direct experience of working with children, young people and families or adults with care and support needs?
• Do you have passion and commitment to making a real difference for the people of Suffolk?
• Are you a resident of the UK and eligible to work here for the duration of the apprenticeship programme?
• Are you looking for a work-based route with a fully funded degree and paid salary?

Are you ready to reimagine what your social work career could be?

The apprenticeship programme:

• A fully funded level 6 Social Worker Integrated Degree Apprenticeship
• A mixture of work based and academic learning.
• Protected time away from work to attend university and to study.
• Annual work rotations in adults and children’s services
• A workplace mentor/supervisor
• Dedicated apprenticeship programme support
• Peer group support.
• There is no guarantee of a permanent position, however at the end of your contract you will be guaranteed an interview for the role of a Newly Qualified Social Worker.

You will need:

• to be eligible to work in the UK for the duration of the apprenticeship programme
• at least 12 months direct experience of working with children, young people and families, or adults with care and support needs.
• to hold GCSE English or English Language at grade C/4 or above, or an approved equivalent such as level 2 functional skills at the point of application.
• a nationally accredited qualification at level 3 or above e.g. 3 A levels, BTEC diploma, NVQ, Access to Higher Education.
• need a valid UK driver’s license and transportation.
• to upload copies of all your original qualification certificates to us as part of the application process. If you cannot find these, you can order replacements online. If you undertook your qualifications outside of the UK, you would need to provide a statement of comparability. You can gain this by going to ENIC – the UK national agency for international qualifications and skills
• to be able to demonstrate the British Association for Social Work and Social Workers skills and knowledge for entry to the social work degree course.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (Word). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply.

Discover More

Hear from our staff about our Social Work teams

Have a read of our case studies

Further information about working for Suffolk County Council

Find out about our beautiful county of Suffolk and see what a wonderful place it is to live and work, please visit welcome to Suffolk.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

There are three opportunities to join an online information session via MS Teams about the Social Work Apprenticeship:

• Tuesday 17 March 2026 18.00-19.30
• Monday 23 March 2026 16.00-17.30
• Tuesday 31 March 2026 16.30-18.00

Please email wfdapprenticeprogramme@suffolk.gov.uk to book a place and to ask any clarifying questions.

Please also see the Apprentice Social Worker Programme Frequently Asked Questions (Word)

How to apply

Step 1 – Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).

Step 2 – Select ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 – As part of your application, you must answer the questions in our Supporting Statement (Word) and attach it to your application. Please use this Supporting Statement template to answer these questions.

Step 4 – Upload and attach of all your original qualification certificates.

Please note: Without your supporting statement and certificates, your application will not be progressed.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences, so we encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the process.

You can also read our Using AI in Your Application and Interview guidance to understand acceptable and unacceptable use of AI. If AI is used inappropriately, your application may not be progressed.

Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply?

If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages. If you’re invited to the next stage, you’ll have another chance to request adjustments.

Closing date: 11.30 pm, 9 April 2026.

Interview date: On either 18 May, 20 May, 27 May, 28 May 2026.

Promoted as SPJ (Standard Plus Job) on Suffolk Jobs Direct.

Community based – This role is mostly in the community, but you may also work from home sometimes. Additionally, you will have an office base. If you want to discuss how that might affect your work, please email WFDApprenticeProgramme@suffolk.gov.uk

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).