Tusla Child and Family Agency, in partnership with University College Cork (UCC) and the National Apprenticeship Office, is delighted to announce the launch the 2026 Apprenticeship in Social Work programme.

This innovative, dual-structured programme enables participants to gain fully paid, on-the-job experience and practical skills while studying towards a Level 9 Master of Social Work or a Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies award, both of which are CORU approved.

Tusla, as the apprenticeship employer, and UCC, as the education provider, work in close collaboration to offer apprentices training and learning opportunities tailored to their individual needs, learning style and life circumstances.

Applications for the 2026 programme open at noon on Thursday 23 October and close at noon on Thursday, 28 November.

For further information view our brouchure, handbook and job specification:

To apply, click below to download your application form. Once fully complete submit by email to SWApprenticeship@tusla.ie

                                                     

You will receive correspondence from Tusla Recruit confirming your application has been received within 24 hours of submitting.

For any queries on the Apprenticeship Programme, please contact Anne Brennan via anne.brennan3@tusla.ie

For any questions or queries on the UCC course content, please contact Maria Keane via apprenticeship@ucc.ie