9 September 2025 Approach Social Work

Be ambitious and be ready to take on the challenges

Huzaifah shares his experience of the first five weeks of Approach Social Work.

Huzaifah started his journey on Approach Social Work in 2025, based in Kirklees. As he prepares to start his placement working in a social work team, he reflects on the first five weeks of intensive training that launch the programme.

As a young British Indian, I have grown up in a diverse community that has shaped my values and perspectives. It’s helped me understand the importance of diverse representation in public services. It is vital for children and families to work alongside professionals who have a solid understanding of their backgrounds and who can relate to their experiences.

I recently graduated this year (about one in ten Approach participants join straight after graduating) with a degree in criminology with law, which gave me a strong foundation in understanding the complexities of crime, justice and social issues. Building on this, I am now looking forward to applying my knowledge and skills within social work, working directly with children and families to create positive change in the Kirklees community.

I chose to apply for Approach Social Work because I wanted to move away from the traditional route of university and I was looking for a challenge and different style of learning. Through the academic learning and hands on practice in my local hub, I will be applying my learning directly into my work daily from September. Approach Social Work has a strong and keen focus on protecting children and through working in my local authority at the same time as studying, I will be able to make a difference in my community straight away.

If you are thinking of applying to Approach Social Work, I recommend you keep an open mind. Be ready to learn about complex, sensitive and touching topics. Social work is a difficult job, but highly rewarding.

The five weeks of training which kick-off the programme have been intensive, but your learn so much about yourself through reflections on your own life and experiences. For example, I have come to understand how identity, including my gender, ethnicity and religious beliefs, will have an impact on my practice with families. It is important to be aware of our own characteristics, as it helps us to navigate our practice in social work. Through many discussions on thought-provoking topics with your fellow hub members, you will develop your understanding on many different topics like this.

Another key piece of advice that I will give you: be ambitious and be ready to take on the challenges that the programme brings. For example, don’t be scared to ask questions if you don’t understand something; many people will be thinking the same thing. Your questions help build confidence and understanding for all participants and it will thoroughly help you in your practice.

The support of my hub has been important and has helped me so much. We have helped each other to grow and build our knowledge in time before we start working with families this month. It is important to get to know your hub members as they are there with you going through exactly what you’re going through. This is your main support network with whom you will share challenges, reflect on practice and celebrate all your successes.

Now that I’ve finished the first stage of the programme, I look forward to seeing what the next 12 months bring as I step into the office, officially begin my practice and work towards becoming a qualified social worker next year. These months will be challenging, demanding and exciting as I put my learning into practice, developing my skills, learning from qualified professionals so that I can help the children and families in Kirklees. I am ready for this challenge and look forward to coming out of it on the other side as a qualified social worker.