Cumbria is recruiting up to 20 new and trainee social workers this autumn.
The figure includes 13 newly-qualified social workers who are joining in September and have recently completed undergraduate or masters degree courses at the universities of Lancaster and Cumbria
Another seven who already work for Cumbria County Council’s children’s services will be embarking on three-year degree programmes with the University of Cumbria in October to train as social workers.
More new recruits are likely to be taken on next year.
It is part of Cumbria County Council’s efforts to tackle issues surrounding the recruitment and retention of social workers, particularly in West Cumbria and Barrow.
The council is also investing £250,000 in the establishment of its social work academy, part of which focuses on a ‘grow your own’ approach to train a number of local people.
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