Wrexham Council’s social care department and Coleg Cambria have joined forces to create the Wrexham Social Care Academy.
The Wrexham Social Care academy offers placements to learners who are studying on the health and social care diploma programme at the college and is a unique and innovative partnership between a local council and a higher education college.
The academy has been in place since 2022 and has been successful in offering 76 placements to learners, pairing and supporting them with dedicated mentors from social care.
Students have an opportunity to fully experience social care, so they understand the important role it plays in supporting vulnerable people with compassion and empathy.
By capturing the interest of students early in their career pathway and showcasing the range of roles, we’re helping to raise the profile of social care as a career option in Wrexham.
Learners interested in a career in social care are offered placements within our various teams, including the in-house provider services, social work teams, family centres, occupational therapy, progression and person-centred support teams and the family information service.
Cllr John Pritchard, lead member for adult social care health and wellbeing, said: “This collaboration between the council and Coleg Cambria demonstrates that we are a learning organisation, committed to developing the future workforce.
“The preparation and planning that we have done means that Wrexham’s Social Care Academy offers meaningful work experience and learning opportunities for the students.”
Coleg Cambria also welcomed the recent visit of Dawn Bowden, Minister for Children and Social Care in Wales, to its £14m Nant health building at the Yale site in Wrexham – home to the Wrexham Social Care Academy.
Vicky Edwards, Vice Principal of Technical Studies at Coleg Cambria, said: “We were delighted to welcome Dawn Bowden to our Nant health building and showcase the impact of the Wrexham Social Care Academy. This partnership with Wrexham Council is creating valuable opportunities for learners, giving them hands-on experience while helping to develop a skilled and compassionate future workforce.
“We’re proud of the difference it is making to students and social care services across Wrexham. By engaging learners early and highlighting the range of career pathways available, we are raising the profile of social care and inspiring the next generation.”
