BARNSLEY Council have teamed up with the college to launch a children’s services academy in a bid to inspire the next generation of social workers.
It will be located at Barnsley College’s Old Mill Lane campus, and will support the institution’s childcare, health, science and social care department by offering opportunities to students through work placements.
Carly Speechley, executive director of children’s services, said: “We want to make Barnsley the place of possibilities, raising ambitions and supporting people to develop and grow.
“Our Children’s Services Academy is doing just that, bringing our Barnsley 2030 vision to life.
“To be able to recruit and retain a skilled workforce, which can work positively with our children and young people to create ambition and achieve great outcomes, is a key driving force behind this collaboration.
“I am looking forward to having the opportunity to use our organisation as a place to provide opportunities for students in Barnsley to build successful careers where they live.
“I hope that, through the academy, we will be able to give the students a real flavour for what it’s like to work in local government and children’s services while reaching in and supporting them to be confident and work-ready.”
David Akeroyd, deputy principal for development and productivity at Barnsley College, added: “We want to ensure that our students have accessible and rewarding careers after they leave us.
“In partnering with Barnsley Council to launch the Children’s Services Academy, we’re able to give health, childcare and early years students opportunities to better understand the sector and careers available, whilst introducing them to a range of skilled roles that exist on their doorstep and providing a skilled future workforce for local employers.”
