How Wrexham's Social Care Academy is Revolutionizing Student Careers and Building the Future Workforce

Transforming Student Careers Through Hands-On Experience

Young people in Wrexham are gaining hands-on experience, building confidence, and stepping into meaningful careers thanks to the Wrexham Social Care Academy — a pioneering partnership strengthening the region’s social care workforce.

The initiative, a collaboration between Wrexham County Borough Council and Coleg Cambria, provides structured placements for Level 3 Health and Social Care students, bridging the gap between classroom learning and frontline practice.

Based at Coleg Cambria’s £14 million Nant health and social care facility at its Yale site, the Academy gives learners real-world exposure across a wide range of services while helping the council cultivate the next generation of care professionals.

Government Recognition and Impact

The programme’s impact was recently highlighted during a visit from Dawn Bowden, Minister for Children and Social Care in Wales, who toured the cutting-edge facility and met both staff and students involved in the 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.”

Comprehensive Placement Structure

Since its launch in 2022, dozens of students have completed structured placements supported by dedicated mentors. Participants rotate through a variety of services, including:

• Community living
• Mental health outreach
• Reablement
• Residential and respite care
• Family centres
• Day services
• Extra care
• Occupational therapy
• Social work teams

Each placement provides valuable insight into how social care professionals support individuals, families and communities with compassion and dignity.

Tangible Results and Career Progression

The Academy is already delivering clear results, with many former students progressing to social work degrees, further education, or paid roles within council services and the independent care sector.

Cllr John Pritchard, Wrexham’s 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.”

Claire Williams, Curriculum Director for Health, Social Care and Childcare at Coleg Cambria Yale, added: “The Academy gives our learners something truly special, the chance to apply their classroom learning in real settings, supported by expert mentors who are passionate about developing the next generation.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see students grow in confidence, discover their career direction, and begin their journey into social care knowing they are already making a positive difference in their community.”