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42 new Social Workers graduate through Ireland’s landmark apprenticeship programme
- The Apprenticeship in Social Work is led by UCC in partnership with the HSE and Tusla under the national Generation Apprenticeship initiative.
- Inaugural cohort demonstrates how innovative earn-and-learn pathways can help address growing workforce needs.
Forty-two apprentices were conferred with a Master of Social Work at a graduation ceremony at University College Cork on Friday, 19 June, marking a significant milestone for Ireland's social work profession and the future development of its workforce.
The programme was developed in response to the critical demand for qualified social workers and increasing workforce pressures across Ireland. Developed by University College Cork (UCC) in partnership with the Health Service Executive (HSE) and Tusla under the national Generation Apprenticeship initiative, it provides a sustainable new route into social work while helping employers build the workforce needed to meet rising demand for services.
The CORU approved apprenticeship has opened a new pathway into the profession for people from diverse backgrounds, enabling them to earn while they learn. Throughout the programme, apprentices balanced work, study and personal commitments, graduating with both a Master of Social Work and significant professional experience.
Graduates are already making an impact across a wide range of services, including disability, health, mental health, child protection and welfare, criminal justice and housing.
Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley TD said: “I am proud to support and fund the Social Work Apprenticeship programme within Tusla and the HSE. This programme plays a vital role in building a sustainable, skilled workforce for social services across Ireland.The 2026 graduates have a variety of lived experiences. Many of them never had the opportunity to undertake third level studies due to cost, educational disadvantage or caring responsibilities. This apprenticeship has made it possible for them.”
“In their first year in the job, they will provide a vital service to thousands more children, young people and adults within Tusla and the HSE. I am delighted to congratulate today’s graduates on their achievement and welcome them to the workforce. I am confident they will make a positive difference in many people’s lives and wish them the very best as they embark on this next step in their careers.”
Professor John O'Halloran MRIA, President of UCC, said: "Today is a proud day for our graduates, who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience and commitment in reaching this milestone. Each has travelled a unique path to graduation, bringing valuable life experience, professional insight and a deep commitment to supporting individuals, families and communities."
"As Ireland faces increasing demand for social work services, our graduates represent exactly the kind of talented and committed professionals our society needs. Their success highlights the value of innovative pathways that widen participation in higher education while responding directly to workforce needs. We are delighted to celebrate their achievements today and look forward to the contribution they will make throughout their careers,” Professor O’Halloran said.
Tusla CEO Kate Duggan said: “I warmly congratulate our first apprentice graduates on their dedication, hard work, and commitment in reaching this important milestone. As an Agency, we have seen first-hand the positive impact of this apprenticeship programme, for both the apprentices, and for our teams across the country. As a major employer of social workers, we know and value the vital role that our social work professionals play in supporting and protecting children, young people, and families. Our graduates will further strengthen our services and enhance outcomes. As an Agency, we are commited to ongoing investment in the apprenticeship programme, as part of our strategy to increase the overall number of social workers employed in Tusla, in our efforts to meet the increasing demand for our services.”
Anne O'Connor, CEO of the HSE, said: "Today marks an important milestone for these graduates and for the future of social work in Ireland. I want to congratulate each apprentice on their commitment, resilience and dedication in balancing work, study and personal responsibilities while developing the skills and experience needed to support individuals, families and communities."
"The Social Work Apprenticeship demonstrates the value of innovative partnerships between employers and higher education in creating new pathways into essential professions. By enabling people to earn while they learn, we are broadening access to social work, attracting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and strengthening our workforce for the future. These graduates have already made a valuable contribution across health and social care services during their apprenticeship, and I look forward to seeing the positive impact they will continue to make throughout their careers as they continue to support people in some of the most vulnerable circumstances in our communities," Anne O'Connor said.
The graduation of the inaugural cohort demonstrates how employer-university partnerships can create sustainable pathways into critical professions while helping to address workforce challenges across the health and social care sectors.
Applications for the Level 9 Apprenticeship in Social Work, starting in June 2027, will open in Autumn 2026.
For more information, visit the Apprenticeship page.