Devene Lyons has returned to studying for her social work degree apprenticeship with Hounslow Council, provided by Middlesex University. Her professional background is in childcare, working for and managing nurseries in Ireland and in London before going on to have her own childcare business.
“I was really interested in social work and helping individuals,” Devene says, explaining her career switch. “It allows me to use my experience in childcare, to build relationships and support children in a holistic way”
Devene was accepted onto a traditional degree programme at another institution, then came across the degree apprenticeship programme with Hounslow which strongly appealed because of the opportunity to earn and learn simultaneously.
“It’s hard to make the transition when you haven’t been in education for a long time,” says Devene, who lives in Willesden and has two young children of her own. “I was nervous during the first year and it was hard to find the work-life-study balance.
“However, I did well. I’ve just started back again and am happily learning new material”. She finds her lecturers hugely knowledgeable and inspiring, and says their support when she has been faced by challenges made a big difference.
She started out on the council’s children and families team, and has moved over to adolescents. “It has been really valuable experiencing different areas of practice: there are so many departments and sectors to learn from,” she says. She adds that the apprenticeship “helps you discover which areas you enjoy. You have to connect with people, build rapport and earn trust — that’s a skill in itself”.
Devene’s cohort at Middlesex works for a range of local authorities. She says her immediate group of six apprentices at Hounslow works well together. “We can always go to each other, if we need advice that relates to work or studies.
“It’s really interesting to hear about different cases, their next steps and what they’re working towards with their families. There is no case the same.
An aspect of social work that Devene values is working as part of a wider team of public service professionals: GPs, police, teachers and others. “It’s amazing having all that input. You need to be empathetic, nurturing, and communicate well while working alongside professionals who all want the same outcome. You have everybody’s perspective on this child, young person or family, advocating for change”.
“At first I was really nervous working with all these professionals,” Devene says. “I didn’t have any experience. Now, I feel confident — I’m comfortable writing emails, making phone calls, and communicating clearly with families and professionals”.
Devene anticipates staying at Hounslow for her mandatory Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) after graduating, and wants to work with families and children in future.
She would highly recommend the apprenticeship as a route to qualifying as a social worker. “I’ve learned so much and I’m very comfortable. It’s a great way to learn, gain knowledge, adapt, and grow professionally. You really do become more confident and more professional through the process. That combination of learning and practice really helps when you’re carrying out interventions with families”.
National Apprenticeship Week runs from 9th-15th February, celebrating the achievements and contribution of apprentices and showcasing apprenticeship opportunities to learners considering their future steps.
