TWELVE aspiring social workers celebrated the first year of their careers.

Their work was completed as part of the Assessed and Supported Year in Employment (ASYE) programme, which is backed by Thurrock Council.

ASYE helps newly-qualified social workers develop their skills and knowledge by providing regular support during their first year of employment.

The workers – from both the adult and the children’s areas – have all received targeted support from the council to help them achieve their goals, and will now progress with the council.

They each received a certificate from the College of Social Work to recognise the completed year.

Councillor Bukky Okuande, who is in charge of children’s social care, said: “We are extremely pleased that we have been able to recruit to our training programme and look forward to them joining our dedicated teams.”