Patrick Ellis says his experiences supporting the recovery of abused young children in a therapeutic residency inspired him to enrol at Staffordshire University to become a social worker.
“I felt I wanted to have an impact a child’s life far earlier,” says Patrick.
Since enrolling on the University’s BA(Hons) Social Work degree in 2011, the twenty-nine-year-olds ambitions have been achieved after securing a role with Telford and Wrekin Council.
First-hand experiences
Patrick, from Telford, added: “I want to work with children, and have a keen interest in the impact parenting can have on a child and being on the degree allowed me to develop my interests and inspirations.”
During his course Patrick secured placement opportunities with a local authority substance misuse team and later, the children in care team at Telford and Wrekin council where he has since gained employment.
New career
Patrick said: “I am looking forward to starting my new role in the children in care team and completing my ASYE (assessed and supported year in employment) year. I feel I have so much more development to do and I am in the perfect team to do so.”
“The degree is very practical. We also did a lot of presentations and group work which has improved my ability to present to large groups of people. I feel this helped when gaining employment at Telford and Wrekin Council as I felt confident in the recruitment assessment day.”
Inspiring tutors
Patrick says the support of his tutor Peter Simcock played an important role in studies, both academically and professionally.
He said: “Peter has supported me throughout my second and third year and his passion for social work is inspiring. This support and advice has been vital whilst in my social work placement, which is a particularly demanding time for a social work student.”
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