Portsmouth's social work degree apprentices fulfil lifelong dream to support families

A duo of degree apprentices in children's social care at Portsmouth City Council are fulfilling lifelong ambitions to support families in their community.

Victoria Nash, a family support worker and Sonja Renfrew, a newly qualified social worker have shared their stories during National Apprenticeship Week 2025.

National Apprenticeship Week (10 - 16 February 2025) is a week-long celebration that brings together businesses and apprentices across the country to shine a light on the positive impact that apprenticeships make to individuals and organisations.

Councillor Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council said:

"Portsmouth is fortunate to have a dedicated and loyal workforce of social care practitioners who support families every day. Apprenticeships enable colleagues to upskill within children's social care to become social workers.

"This helps us address some of the challenges around social work recruitment. Portsmouth is not immune to these challenges and is taking steps to strengthen its teams with employment programmes that develop staff internally who may wish to progress in their careers."

For those who already work in children's social care, practitioners without a degree have the option to undertake a social work apprenticeship.

Sonja began her career in London before moving to Portsmouth to support a local charity. She joined the council in 2017 as a family mentor progressing to become an education and early help worker.

Sonja said:

"I moved to Portsmouth and worked with a local charity called the EC Roberts Centre. This experience inspired me to consider the apprenticeship route as the best fit for me. It is a continuation of my work with the most vulnerable members of our society.

"A standout moment for me was when I was at university on my apprenticeship during my third year. I volunteered to play the social worker being cross examined for a court skills session. The solicitor cross examined me and didn’t hold back. However, I remained calm, collected, and even managed to correct him at one point!

"I got some amazing positive feedback from the university staff involved as well as my fellow degree apprentices. Certainly, a memorable moment!"

Sonja completed her degree apprenticeship and has started her first year in employment as a newly qualified social worker this year.

By providing accessible, work-based routes into social work for existing staff members, apprenticeships help expand the talent pipeline while equipping future social workers with vital skills and experience.

Victoria started a social work diploma at university when she was 19 years old but did not complete the qualification as she felt she lacked life experience. As a family support officer working with families up to tier three, Victoria wanted to revisit a social work qualification.

Victoria said:

"I have worked for Portsmouth City Council for many years in different roles that support families. I wanted to explore my options that would allow me to work on tier four assessments. This required a formal social work qualification.

"The apprenticeship was the best route for me. I have had to carefully balance my work, life and family commitments but I have loved every moment.

"During my training, I have found the cohort of students I work with to be very supportive, as well as my university lecturers. It has also been insightful to link my current practice to the theory. 

"If you work for an internal service and want to progress by doing an apprenticeship, take the leap. I haven't looked back since!"

While social work degree apprenticeships aren't advertised externally at Portsmouth City Council, it remains a valid route into the social work profession for existing staff.

External initiatives including the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment Programme and Step up to Social Work scheme launches soon for those who have compatible level six qualifications (degree or equivalent). Each programme has its own entry criteria.

For more information on apprenticeships, click here.