Herefordshire Council is seeking to train up to 15 Social Worker (degree) apprentices starting in 2023. Recruiting Social Workers to work in Herefordshire, as across the country, continues to be challenging Herefordshire Council is committed to developing the workforce by providing quality education and development opportunities, including a Social Work Apprenticeship Programme.

A tender was issued, which did not attract any bids, follow up contact was made with a number of potential Training Providers and it was identified that Coventry University would be able to provide the service required. Herefordshire Council has an existing relationship with Coventry University as part of the West Midlands Social Work Teaching Partnership education and training for social work students and practitioners.

As a large employer, Herefordshire council is required to make a mandatory contribution to the Government Apprenticeship Levy. This contract for £360,000 will be funded in full by levy funding and Coventry University will be required to draw down the funding directly from the Government Apprenticeship Levy. The maximum that can be claimed for each Apprentice is £24,000 for the three year Social Work (degree) Apprenticeship programme.