BUILD THE FUTURE – Anne keeps it in the family with higher level study

She said: “I had always wanted to work in family services and was looking for something to get my foot in the door which was why the initial administrator job was ideal.

“I’ve been providing support for Social Workers for most of my career with the Council and when the opportunity to do a Degree Apprenticeship came up I thought it was the right time for me to apply and try to further my career.

“When the children were younger it was quite difficult to think about studying when I had bills to pay and, although I looked at the Open University, they don’t offer the same kind of support that I thought I might need going back into education after such a long time.

“I get so much support from my employer and the University. This is such a good way for people to get the balance right between working full-time and looking after a family. You still get paid a wage but you get the chance to study and further yourself.

“I feel like, having worked in Family Services for so long, I’ve got a really good insight into the work of a Social Worker and I know first-hand their value in the community. Now that I’ve started the course I can see how it links closely with what I’m doing and I’m already thinking a bit differently about my case work.

“My aim is to become a Social Worker and, even though I know doing the course will be hard work, I’m looking forward to the challenge and the achievement at the end of it.”