Social Worker Level 6 Apprenticeship Programme

The funding for the Social Worker apprenticeship training costs will come from the apprenticeship levy pot rather than a service budget. This levy is an accumulation of 0.5% of the councils pay bill paid into this government levy pot every month. It currently stands at £2.8m and can only be spent on apprenticeship training. Monies not spent within 24 months will automatically expire. The cost of the social worker apprenticeship training would be paid from the levy and will help minimise funds expiring so it would be prudent for the Council to enter into a contract as soon as possible for the next available term date which is September 2025.

There is a set funding band for each individual apprenticeship and for the Social Worker apprenticeship it is set at 24k. The standard programme includes the Level 6 BSc in Social Work. However, the University of Brighton are the only local provider offering the opportunity to gain a level 7 MSc Social Work Degree for those with a first degree whilst also studying the apprenticeship in Social Work at level 6. This is at a reduced duration of 2 years rather than 3 years so a significant reduction for both the learner, and the service. This will be reduced in price accordingly and offered at £19,677 pp so saving the council £4,323 pp from the levy pot for those taking this route.

If the Council were to support staff to qualify outside of the apprenticeship route this would cost between £15,700 and £28,605 per apprentice depending on the qualification and this would be payable from council budgets rather than the levy pot so a total saving of £90,000-£171,000.

By offering both the level 6 BSc (3years) and level 7 MSc (2years) pathways within the apprenticeship, the Council are offering maximum flexibility and the most efficient route to qualify and will satisfy our people promise in giving staff the opportunity to do their best and promotes our responsibility in offering progression and wider opportunities to our staff supporting the following aims:

1. Recruiting and rewarding well, with flexible paths for progression
2. Great performance supported by the right development

It is also supporting the local area so not only minimising travel costs and carbon footprint but is keeping funding within the city.

The University of Brighton are an approved provider on our Supplier List, have a "Good" Ofsted rating, an "Excellent" 4* apprentice rating and "Good" 3* employer rating on the Institute for Apprenticeships website and an 89% achievement rate.

The contract will be monitored by the Apprenticeship Team through

• Bi-monthly progress updates
• Bi-monthly contract meetings with UoB
• Quality feedback reviews

In summary, offering local provision for the Social Worker Level 6 programme who offer flexibility of both L6 and L7 pathways with proven quality of delivery will ensure maximum support and accessibility for our staff to upskill to become social work qualified. It will help address the shortage of qualified Social Workers, maximising savings for the Council and ensuring optimal usage of the apprenticeship levy funds.