Outside of his apprenticeship, Colin Casey from Cork, is a member of Highfield RFC, is training for the Cork City Half Marathon, and is a fantasy book enthusiast. Previously a social care worker, Colin worked in a mental health acute unit, where he was mentored by a social worker who inspired his journey into the field.

Having what he describes as a really poor Leaving Cert, Colin later studied commerce as a mature student. He realised that business wasn’t for him and came back to complete the Higher Diploma in Social Policy. The Apprenticeship in Social Work has provided Colin with the chance to pursue a masters degree—an aspiration he once thought unattainable due to financial barriers.

Since starting the program, Colin has found the experience both challenging and rewarding. Although linking theory to practice has been demanding, Colin has met the challenge through self-study and peer support. His active listening and teamwork skills have improved, and he appreciates the thought provoking, holistic approach to understanding client environments emphasised in the academic programme. The support from his employer and mentor and the camaraderie of his diverse, resilient cohort have been invaluable.

In his future career as a social worker, Colin sees himself as a dependable and compassionate professional who can truly make a difference.

Colin’s advice for prospective apprentices is simple: if you’re committed to making a difference and eager to learn, this inclusive, challenging program is incredibly rewarding. He’s already recommended it to friends, a testament to the positive impact it had on his life and career path.

Clodagh O'Donovan

Clodagh O’Donovan, from Cork, is an apprentice with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency. With a qualification in Social Care Work and experience as a Social Care Worker and Key Worker in Emergency Accommodation, Clodagh brings both professional insight and personal motivation to her role in social work. Inspired by her own life experiences, she is committed to creating change and ensuring families and individuals receive the support they need.

Clodagh was drawn to the apprenticeship programme’s hands-on approach, which combines classroom learning with real-world experience, aligning with her practical mindset. The ‘earn while you learn’ model of an apprenticeship has also provides Clodagh with essential financial stability as she qualifies. So far on the programme, Clodagh has honed critical skills like problem-solving, time management, and organisation, which are crucial for handling the varied demands of social work.

In her future career as a social worker, Clodagh hopes to be recognised for her kind, practical and solution-oriented approach. She aspires to take on a senior or specialised role where she can lead projects or mentor others, contributing further to the field.

Outside of work, Clodagh enjoys cooking and going to the gym, activities that help her stay creative, active, and rejuvenated. Her advice to aspiring apprentices is to be ready for a hands-on, challenging experience that demands commitment, strong time management, and a willingness to collaborate with people from diverse backgrounds.

Aoife Cronin

Aoife Cronin is a graduate of Early Years and Childhood Studies at UCC. It was during her studies where she first encountered the field of Social Work, and this together with previous work experience alongside Tusla, saw her drawn to pursue a career in the field.

Choosing the apprenticeship pathway was a natural fit for Aoife, who feels she does better in hands-on learning environments. The programme offered her practical training, academic learning, with a direct pathway to employment. Though she initially worried about having less social work experience than some of her peers, Aoife now recognises that each person brings unique strengths to the class. This understanding, along with guidance from both the HSE and UCC, has enabled her to grow and succeed. After somewhat of a shaky start with the programme being in its inaugural year, Aoife credits the programme’s success to the hard work and dedication of both UCC and the HSE.

Since starting her apprenticeship, Aoife feels her interpersonal abilities and empathy have strengthened, as has her awareness of her values and how they inform her work. Her goal as a social worker is to bring about positive changes, even small ones, in the communities she serves, while also working to dispel any negative stigmas around social work. Looking ahead, Aoife envisions herself possibly taking her skills beyond Ireland, using her experiences to benefit communities abroad. She encourages anyone considering the Apprenticeship to give it their best shot, and that it has been a brilliant opportunity.