Tusla celebrated the graduation of the first cohort of its pioneering Social Work Apprenticeship Programme last weekend, marking a significant milestone in strengthening Ireland’s social work labour force.
32 Tusla apprentices, who were among 42 graduates conferred with a Master of Social Work at University College Cork (UCC), are now eligible to register as social workers and can continue their careers with Tusla, joining frontline services supporting children, young people and families across Ireland at a time of increasing demand for social work services.
Developed in partnership with UCC under the National Apprenticeship Framework, the innovative 24-month programme has been designed in response to growing workforce pressures and the need to expand the number of qualified social workers in Ireland. Graduate Vee Moyo was awarded the Tusla Social Work apprentice of the year award.
As the largest employer participating in the programme, Tusla supported the highest number of apprentices throughout their studies. The apprenticeship provided an alternative pathway into the profession, enabling participants to earn while they learn by remaining fully employed and paid throughout the programme while completing a Master of Social Work through UCC’s bended learning model. Alongside their academic studies, apprentices gained invaluable practical experience working within frontline social teams across the country.
WORKFORCE STRATEGY
The Social Work Apprenticeship Programme is transforming how social workers are recruited and trained in Ireland. By combining paid employment with postgraduate education, it is widening access to the profession while ensuring more qualified social workers ae available to support children, young people, and families.
Among those graduating was Aoife Dunne from North Dublin, who said the apprenticeship had opened the door to a profession she had always aspired to join. Aoife’s interest in social work took root when she worked in social care at a residential home for children in care.
“I still can’t quite believe how lucky I was to come across this opportunity. The apprenticeship has allowed me to follow a career path I’ve wanted for so long, without having to sacrifice my home, my income, or my mental well-being.,” said Aoife.
“I will always be grateful for this opportunity, and I truly can’t wait to work as a qualified social worker – to give back, to keep learning, and to make a difference in the lives of those we work with,” she said.
With 200 Tusla employees currently progressing though the programme, the initiative is creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professional for the future. As the largest employer participating in the programme, Tusla remains committed to expanding this path as part of its long-term workforce strategy to strength services across Ireland.
