Tusla supports aspiring social workers in Waterford through apprenticeship programme
Pictured are Kate Duggan, Tusla CEO, Ger Brophy, Tusla Chief Social Worker and Rosarii Mannion, National Director of People and Change Tusla. Photo: Patrick Browne
Applications are now open for 100 places on Tusla’s Master’s in Social Work Apprenticeship Programme, offering aspiring social workers the opportunity to earn a salary while gaining a professional qualification.
Delivered in partnership with University College Cork, the full-time, 24-month programme combines paid employment with academic study, leading to a CORU-accredited, Level 9 Master of Social Work or Postgraduate Diploma in Social Work Studies. Apprentices receive a formal contract of employment with Tusla, along with employee benefits, pension contributions, and support with travel and accommodation costs related to the programme.
The apprenticeship provides a practical route into this profession, opening opportunities for people from a wide variety of educational and professional backgrounds, including those without a previous university qualification but with relevant life, work or voluntary experience.
Successful applicants will gain experience across a range of Tusla services, including child safety, family support, fostering and adoption, while learning directly from experienced social work practitioners and mentors.
Rosarii Mannion, Tusla Director of People and Change, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative: “This Apprenticeship Programme is an innovative ‘earn while you learn’ model where apprentices spend half their time on the job, gaining practical skills under the guidance of experienced social work mentors. The apprenticeship provides a formal contract of employment, and full employee supports.
"Importantly, this programme offers opportunities for people without a previous university qualification, but who bring welcome relevant experience, either paid or voluntary, to the role.”
Speaking about the programme, CEO Kate Duggan said: “The Master of Social Work Apprenticeship is a hugely positive initiative, and we are already seeing the positive impact it is having on our services, and most importantly on the children and families we work with. We really value the opportunity now provided to people who want to become social workers, many with diverse experiences, who can now ‘earn as they learn’, reducing the financial barriers that may previously have stopped them from realising their ambition."
Tusla Chief Social Worker, Ger Brophy highlighted the importance of the role: “The social work apprenticeship programme is providing an opportunity for people to get on-the-job training for working with children and families. We really need more people to support families and children – people who care what happens to their communities and for the children in their communities.
“You could provide the support that will make a difference in a child’s life and Tusla want to support you to take that role. Together we can make our communities a better place for children to grow and meet their potential in safety and surrounded by people who care for them.”
For Enniscorthy single mum-of three Laura Finan (44), the apprenticeship opened a door that otherwise may never have been accessible.
Currently undertaking the programme, having started it in 2025, she joined Tusla through its graduate programme, and worked in the Child Protection Notification System for a year before progressing into the apprenticeship. She is currently completing her placement with the Care Team in Wexford.
“It has been a great experience,” says Laura, who has a background of working in social care.
“My team are the best I’ve ever worked with; we’re so tight and always there for each other; they even provided me with so much support when I had two significant bereavements to deal with.
“Over the period of the course you have nine months of college work and 15 months in your placement. Monday to Thursday is work, and Friday is a study day, where you’re using the experience you have gained during the week to write a reflective project.
“My college class is amazing; we’re all very close, and there are a mix of ages, from the 20s to the 50s. You’re guided and supported the whole way... It offers a great opportunity for people, particularly mature people.”
Applications for 2027 intake are now open. Find out more information and apply at www.tusla.ie/apprenticeship
