Blog: Celebrating growth and practice this Social Work Week

As we celebrate World Social Work Week, Liverpool City Council is shining a light on the professionals who support our communities every day. Today we’re highlighting Kate, who has recently qualified as a Social Worker after completing her apprenticeship within Adult Social Care. Her journey from apprentice to practising Social Worker has been shaped by compassion, determination, and a deep commitment to empowering the people of Liverpool.

Completing my role as a Social Work Apprentice with Liverpool City Council’s Adult Social Care team has been one of the most transformative experiences of my career so far.

When I first began the apprenticeship, I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect, only that I wanted to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives and understand the complexities of adult social work from the inside out.

I discovered a world where compassion, resilience, and critical thinking met every single day.

Working within a community team in  adult social care within Liverpool has given me a real insight into the city’s diverse communities and the challenges people face. From supporting individuals to live independently to navigating complex safeguarding situations, no two days ever look the same. I quickly learned how important it is to balance empathy with professional boundaries, and how vital it is to work collaboratively with colleagues, families, and partner organisations to get the best outcomes for the people we support.

My placement in mental health was a particularly defining part of my journey. Being embedded within a mental health team allowed me to see first hand how social work blends with clinical perspectives, and how important it is for people experiencing mental ill‑health to be heard, understood, and supported holistically.

I gained experience in mental health assessments, crisis support, and multidisciplinary working, often with individuals navigating incredibly difficult moments in their lives. What stood out most was the sheer strength people hold even when they don’t feel it themselves.

The apprenticeship has shown me that social work isn’t just a role, it’s a commitment to standing alongside people during their most vulnerable times and empowering them to regain control. The role can be challenging, but it has enabled my confidence, knowledge, and self‑awareness to grow, which I feel I would not have come this far without the apprenticeship and I’m incredibly grateful for the support of my managers, mentors, and colleagues across the council.

Each day continues to shape not only the practitioner I’m becoming, but the person I want to be.

If you are interested in practicing social work in Liverpool, please visit our website for the latest opportunities https://jobs.liverpool.gov.uk/jobs/search.