Newly-qualified social workers from across South Wales are settling in to Swansea Council’s social work team.
A recruitment drive targeted at those about to qualify resulted in 28 UK new social workers joining Child and Family services in Swansea.
This week the first wave of 10 started a month-long induction programme and core training.
The enthusiastic new arrivals are among the 40 social worker recruits from UK and abroad for Child and Family services in Swansea which form part of Swansea Council’s £6.4 million additional investment in the service.
That will be followed up with a new year-long professional development, assessment and support programme based on best practice for newly qualified social workers.
The aim is to ensure new recruits feel supported in Swansea and that they can provide the best possible service to children and young people and their families.
Steve Walker, Head of Child and Family Services said: “We are delighted to see our new recruits and of course there will be more to come in the coming months.”
“We hope that joining Swansea Council will be the start of a successful and fulfilling career for these newly qualified social workers.”
Mentor Sioned Rees is helping the recruits settle in and supporting them to develop a long term career in Swansea’s child and family services.
She said: “They have arrived full of enthusiasm for taking this service forward. They come from all different backgrounds with a range of skills and are looking forward to putting them to work. I am sure they will be a real asset to the service.”
Cabinet member for social services Cllr Nick Tregoning said: “This makes it crystal clear that continuing to improve our child and family services is the priority for this council.
“I am delighted to see that the extra efforts made in recruitment are coming to fruition.
“The training and support we provide to new staff is both an investment in their future and in the future of the vital service they are joining.”
