National Apprenticeship Week 2026 has arrived, offering a fantastic opportunity to highlight the value apprentices bring to our organisation.
Each year, this week‑long celebration showcases the positive impact apprenticeships have on individuals, businesses, and communities. It’s a chance to recognise the dedication, talent, and fresh perspectives apprentices contribute, as well as the vital role employers play in supporting their development.
At Focus, we’re proud to champion apprentices who are taking their first steps into rewarding careers in adult social care, gaining practical skills, and making meaningful contributions from day one. Throughout the week, we’ll be sharing insights, stories, and celebrations that shine a light on the people who make apprenticeships such a success.
This year, we’re delighted to introduce on of own apprentices, Heather. We sat down with her to ask her all about her apprentice journey.
Meet Focus Apprentice, Heather
Focus: So, Heather tell us a bit about yourself and what inspired you to pursue a career in social work?
Heather: After spending time in various job roles, I had experiences of working alongside and with social workers. This gave me great insight to how social workers can have meaningful impact on individuals, families and their communities. From this, I wanted to pursue a career in social work to support adults in order to empower individuals and see positive outcomes for the individuals I support.
Focus: Why did you choose the apprenticeship route into social work?
Heather: Completing an apprenticeship allows me to gain hands on experience from working in the field as well as working alongside experienced social workers already in the field, whilst also attending university. An apprenticeship allows me to put my learning from university into practice, for example theories.
Focus: Can you tell us about a moment during your apprenticeship when you felt especially proud of the work you were doing?
Heather: From my work undertaken with the safeguarding team as a Safeguarding Case Co-Ordinator/Apprentice, I was able to support a young individual to have control of her finances and gain a tenancy on her own flat in order to allow for her to live independently.
Focus: What advice would you give to someone thinking about becoming a social work apprentice?
Heather: Do it! The apprenticeship over the last three years has taught me a lot about myself but also has supported me in becoming more confident as an individual and a practitioner. I have learnt so much from not only my time at university but also from all the professionals I have worked with along the way. There has been some tough days and times, but it is 100% worth it.
Think you have what it takes to pursue a career in social care?
Keep an eye out on our careers page for opportunites to work af Focus. You never know, you could be a social work apprentice one day!
