BUILD THE FUTURE – Emma finds freedom to change careers with a Degree Apprenticeship

“I absolutely would recommend a Degree Apprenticeship as a way of coming back into education to further your expertise and knowledge to give you a new career route.” 

Emma Thomas, 44 from Wolverhampton, found the freedom to switch careers by studying for a Degree Apprenticeship in Social Work at the University of Wolverhampton, with her studies being funded by her employer, City of Wolverhampton Council, through the Apprenticeship Levy. 

She said: “The pressures of work made me reflect on what I wanted for my future so I decided to take another career path.  I applied for a job in Family Group Conferencing with City of Wolverhampton Council because I felt like I wanted to do something more positive. The job is all about supporting families and that felt like a really positive change for me. 

“It’s great that my employer is paying for my training and it’s a really rewarding feeling to know that the families you work with have benefited and that they are reaping the benefits of those positive changes. 

“What I find really beneficial about doing it through the Apprenticeship route is that, as you’re learning in the University, you’re applying it to your practice so it’s really useful. 

“I’m looking forward to being qualified and working with children and families and then, in terms of career progression in the future, it’s hard to know right now but I’m looking forward to being a qualified Social Worker in the first instance.” 

Find out more about how Degree Apprenticeships can benefit you or your business: www.wlv.ac.uk/NAW2022/.