[C]umbria County Council Social Work Academy’s latest group of newly qualified social workers begin their careers in adult social work today. The group of 13 newly qualified social workers and 4 occupational therapists recently graduated from their respective universities, and following a highly competitive recruitment process will now begin a twelve month programme of assessment known as the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE).
Sue Millar, Team Manager Social Work Academy Adult Social Care, said: “This is an exciting time for us all and our new recruits are about to begin putting what they’ve learnt into practice.
“They’ll spend a year on our academy programme, while they complete their ASYE, during which time they will learn from experienced practitioners and develop the skills that will help them meet the challenges that a career in social work brings.”
The council’s Social Work Academy was launched in September 2015, to date 60 newly qualified social workers have been employed through the academy joining teams in both Children’s Services and Health and Care Services.
The academy provides an innovative programme of support and development designed to help those beginning a career in social work, supporting them through the ASYE to develop their skills, knowledge and professional confidence in the workplace. Recruits benefit from high levels of support, reduced caseloads and a comprehensive package of learning and development opportunities, providing a firm foundation for a long and rewarding career.
Cllr Peter Thornton, Cabinet Member for Health and Care Services, said: “Our new recruits are about to begin careers helping Cumbria’s most vulnerable adults.
“Bringing new blood into social work in Cumbria is vital to help us deliver our Health and Care services.
“The academy offers a strong programme of support and development to help these new recruits become the best social workers they can be and I’d like to wish them all the best.”
To find out more about Cumbria Social Work Academy go to www.cumbria.gov.uk/socialworkacademy.
