Tusla announces 70 places for its 2025 Master of Social Work apprenticeship programme
As National Social Work Awareness Week begins, Tusla-Child and Family Agency is delighted to announce it is opening its doors to employ more than 70 new social work apprentices for its 2025 Level 9 Master of Social Work apprenticeship programme. This innovative initiative, in partnership with University College Cork (UCC), 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.
Applications are open at www.tusla.ie/apprenticeship from a12pm today until 20 December for the 24-month CORU-approved programme which is designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge they need to excel as a social work professional. 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.
Tusla CEO Kate Duggan commented, “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.
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.
Today’s announcement was made as Tusla marked the start of National Social Work Awareness Week 2024 which celebrates the vital contributions social workers make every day in organisations and communities across Ireland and raises awareness of social work as a fulfilling career option.
Separately, Tusla is actively seeking passionate, qualified social workers to join its team and support children and families who critically need its services. Understanding the modern realities of work-life balance, Tusla offers an array of benefits designed to support both personal and professional growth. These include: a permanent contract of employment, a competitive salary scale up to €69,540 and 29 days annual leave. Dedicated to continuous professional and personal development, Tusla provides comprehensive support for career advancement, including personalised development planning.
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.
Tusla Chief Social Worker, Ger Brophy commented, “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”.