Apply for the Apprenticeship in Social Work

Please complete this form if you would like to be notified when our employer partners begin accepting applications for a Summer 2026 start. 

Applications are expected to open in October/November 2025.

Links to current employer job advertisements will be available here once applications open.

 

Please read the information on this page carefully before applying.

Applicants must apply directly to and be hired by a registered apprentice employer. There is no separate application to UCC - everything is managed through the employer’s application process.

Your Apprenticeship Commitment

Before applying, it’s important to understand what this apprenticeship involves:

• The Apprenticeship in Social Work is a full-time, 24-month programme.
• You will be both working and studying throughout the programme.
• You will complete on-the-job blocks with your employer and off-the-job blocks with UCC.
• During off-the-job blocks, you will study full time at UCC, normally two days per week on campus and three days online.
• You will receive a salary from your employer for the full 24 months of the apprenticeship. This applies during both on-the-job and off-the-job blocks.
• Once qualified as a CORU-registered social worker, you must remain with your apprenticeship employer for a further three years.
• As an apprentice, you are an employee of your host organisation, and you will be subject to their terms and conditions of employment.
• You will be a registered apprentice with the National Apprenticeship Office, subject to the Apprenticeship Code of Practice for Employers and Apprentices, and a full-time UCC student.

 

Check Your Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Meet one of the three entry routes (Master of Social Work, Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies, or Postgraduate Diploma via Recognition of Prior Learning). Check your eligibility at this link
• Hold fully completed qualifications at the time of application (if applying with a qualification route).
• Have the required relevant work experience, fully completed at the time of application. 
• Provide evidence of English language proficiency if required.
• Meet the residency requirements listed on the employer’s application.

Entry Pathways

Apprentices enter the programme through either:

• the Master of Social Work (MSW), or

• the Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS).

There is an opportunity to progress from the PDSWS to the MSW in Year 2 if specified criteria are met. Both the MSW and PDSWS are approved by CORU, meaning successful completion of the apprenticeship through either pathway makes you eligible to register as a professional social worker.

Approved programmes and social policy credits

To be eligible for the Master of Social Work your primary degree (or conversion programme) must include sufficient social policy credits.

• If your course is not listed on the CORU-approved programmes list (linked on the MSW website, under Requirements) it usually means it does not contain enough social policy content.

• However, the list is not exhaustive. If you believe your degree included a substantial amount of social policy credits, you can request a review by emailing apprenticeship@ucc.ie.

• Please attach a copy of your transcript. We will review your modules and let you know if your qualification can be considered.

 

Read Employer Information Packs

Each employer will provide a candidate information pack. These packs include:

• Salary details
• Terms and conditions of employment
• Residency requirements
• Other important information specific to the employer

You must read these packs carefully before applying. Applications from people who do not meet the residency or eligibility requirements will not be considered for shortlisting.

 

Applicant Self-Assessment Checklist

Before applying, make sure you can confidently tick all of the items below:

Eligibility

• I have reviewed the eligibility criteria for the Social Work Apprenticeship.
• I meet the requirements for at least one entry route:
  
  • Master of Social Work (MSW)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies (PDSWS)
  • Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• My qualifications are fully completed at the time of application.
• My relevant experience is fully completed at the time of application and meets the minimum required for my entry route.
• I have at least the minimum relevant work experience required for my entry route.
• If required, I meet the English Language proficiency requirements.
  
  

Employer Application Requirements

• I have read the employer’s candidate information pack carefully.
• I understand the salary and terms of employment for this employer.
• I understand any other conditions or requirements outlined by the employer.
• I meet the residency requirements specified by the employer.
• I am aware that I may apply to more than one employer, but each requires a separate application.

 

Programme Commitment

• I understand that the apprenticeship is a full-time, 24-month programme.
• I understand that the programme includes on-the-job and off-the-job blocks.
• I am aware that off-the-job study involves full-time attendance at UCC (typically 2 days on campus, 3 days online).
• I understand that, once qualified as a CORU-registered social worker, I must remain with my apprenticeship employer for a 3-year post-qualification period.
• I understand that I will be an employee of the host organisation and subject to its employment terms.

Application Preparation

• I have prepared all supporting documents, including proof of residency, as required by the employer.
• I understand that incomplete or inaccurate applications may not be considered.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I apply to UCC?
No. You apply directly to participating employers. There is no separate UCC application.

Can I apply to more than one employer?
Yes. You may apply to multiple employers, but you must submit a separate application to each one.

Can I choose where I want to work?
Yes. In your application, you can indicate which region(s) you would like to be considered for.

What if I don’t meet the residency requirements?
Unfortunately, your application cannot be shortlisted. Full details are provided in each employer’s pack.

Do I get paid during the apprenticeship?
Yes, you are employed and paid by your apprenticeship employer. Salary information is included in each employer’s information pack. Apprentices are paid while on-the-job and off-the-job. 

How do I know if my work experience is relevant?
It is up to each applicant to demonstrate how their work experience has developed skills or knowledge relevant to social work. Consider any paid, voluntary, or lived experience and explain clearly in your application how it relates to the skills required for the role. 

If I am hired, when will I start?
Successful applicants will begin their Apprenticeship in June 2026. Exact start dates will be confirmed by your apprenticeship employer.

I was unsuccessful previously. Can I apply again?
Yes. Applicants who were unsuccessful in previous rounds are welcome to apply again.

I have more questions. Who can I ask? 
Please see our extensive Frequently Asked Questions page. If you question isn't answered there, please email apprenticeship@ucc.ie