Applications are open on tusla.ie until 20 December for the 24-month CORU-approved programme, designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge they need to excel as a social work professional.

“We are training around 240 people at the moment, but we would really like to be training double that number,” said Ger Brophy, Tusla chief social worker. “They’re training double that number in Northern Ireland, where they have a smaller population.

“We have measured the scale of the services needed and we’re considering developing the training further. Social work appeals to people from a very wide range of experience, from people with, say, a degree in psychology to people with caring experience in a family context, caring for people with a disability or people in a socially disadvantaged context.

“Social work tends to appeal to people with a genuine desire for social justice, people who want to help other people. And this apprenticeship leads to a really great career opportunity.”

 In terms of public sector roles, social workers also earn quite attractive salaries. Separate to the apprenticeship, Tusla is actively seeking passionate, qualified social workers to join its team and support children and families who critically need its services.

Benefits include: a permanent contract of employment, a competitive salary scale up to €69,540 and 29 days of annual leave. Dedicated to continuous professional and personal development, Tusla provides comprehensive support for career advancement, including personalised development planning.

Tusla currently employs over 1,700 social workers within its 5,500-plus staff and now requires more social work graduates to carry out its vital services. Of the 237 social workers that graduated in Ireland in 2023, 138 were offered a permanent job with Tusla.

“It is not extravagantly paid, but in terms of public service it is relatively well paid,” said Ger Brophy. “Obviously, we want the people we train to stay with us for life, but many of them go into other sectors.

“Many of our graduates go on to work in hospitals, working with older people, in voluntary roles or with people with a disability. They find roles with the Council for the Blind, or trauma roles. We do train people with the intention that they’ll stay with us, but we accept that it is unlikely they’ll all stay with us for life.

“Many people who work elsewhere will come back to us later on in their careers, bringing very valuable experience with them. Naturally, those experiences are of significant benefit the learner as well as to Tusla.” More immediately, Tusla runs its Level 9 Master of Social Work apprenticeship in partnership with UCC. The programme combines academic study with full-time employment and hands-on experience, equipping apprentices to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and families.

With half the apprenticeship spent on the job, the ‘earn while you learn’ model includes a formal contract of employment, peer-to-peer learning, dedicated workplace mentors and full employee supports. The programme is open to external applicants as well as Tusla staff and has broad eligibility criteria, including recognition of prior learning.

Kate Duggan, CEO of Tusla, said: “We greatly value our social workers and are wholeheartedly committed to supporting, enabling, and empowering them in their professional work. The Master of Social Work apprenticeship was advanced as part of our Tusla People Strategy to support recruitment and retention of staff and is a key pillar of the Tusla Integrated Reform Programme.

“It also highlights Tusla’s commitment to fostering diversity in the field of social work. By embracing diversity, we can ensure that our services are responsive and attuned to the varied needs of the communities we serve.”

The enrolment of 70 social work apprentices is double that of last year’s inaugural Level 9 apprenticeship programme that saw 36 apprentices begin their studies in September of this year.

This growth reflects Tusla’s increasing demand for more social workers across its various teams, including adoption, fostering, child protection and family support.

Recognising the importance of family-friendly policies, Tusla offers paid maternity leave and flexible work arrangements to accommodate the needs of today’s families. Additionally, social workers can benefit from tax saver commuter schemes and have access to the Tusla Health Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programme, ensuring a supportive and inclusive work environment for all.

Ger Brophy added: “Social work is a very fulfilling career, and social workers are central to the work we do in Tusla. They support families and work alongside other professionals to find solutions to promote and empower families to improve their lives and bring about meaningful change.

“We encourage recent graduates and experienced social workers who are considering a career change, or returning to work, to explore the various career opportunities available at Tusla.ie or by contacting us at tuslarecruit@tusla.ie.”