New teaching partnership to improve the quality of education and employment for social workers

A new teaching partnership between Leeds and Wakefield councils and two universities in Leeds aims to improve education, training and career opportunities for social workers and students.

The Leeds and Wakefield Social Work Teaching Partnership (LWSWTP) consists of children’s and adults’ social work services within Leeds City Council and Wakefield Council, and the Leeds Beckett University and University of Leeds.

It brings together academic learning and social work practice to offer social work students a clear path through education, training and employment and provide them with two real-life work experience placements along with continuing support and professional development throughout their career as a social worker.

Saleem Tariq, chair of the Leeds Wakefield Social Work Teaching Partnership Board and Leeds City Council's deputy director for children and families said:

“Social work is one of the most rewarding careers you can have. Advisor, advocate, facilitator, listener; they work alongside people of all ages and from all walks of life to help them make a positive difference to their lives.

“We want to make the transition between student social work and practitioners easier with high quality work placements which enable students to really experience what it means to be a social worker. This will be supported with ongoing training and support throughout their employment and future career.

“We are very excited that for the first time Leeds and Wakefield are coming together to achieve this and that together we can help ensure social workers and students are provided with the skills and readiness for a rewarding, successful and long-term career in social work.”

Students can visit the Leeds Wakefield Social Work Teaching Partnership website at https://www.leedswakefieldteachingpartnership.org or Twitter @LWSocialWork.

ENDS