Trainee Social Worker

You want to do workyou’reproud of,andtoknow it matters.

Children's social work is a career with meaning,development and room to grow. Ifyou’relooking for purpose and progression, Approach Social Work can help you build both.

Applications have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026.

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps youbecome achildren’s social worker through hands‑on experience, academicstudyand expert support.

On the programme,you’lldevelop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change.

You’llexplore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma andmaster’s degreein social work.

Year one:

• Begin study for your postgraduate diplomainsocialwork
• Learn alongside children and families within alocal authority social work team,supported by experienced tutors and practice educators
• Receive atax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’ssocial worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs)
• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree
• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development

As a children’s social worker, you’lllearn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means:

• Visiting a child at home or school
• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances
• Working with teachers, health professionalsor police
• Writing reports and helping decide what’ssafest for a child

It’sa challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted inempathy,resilience and strong judgement.

You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education,lawor healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those fromracialisedminority backgrounds.

Youdon’tneed experience in social work. We are looking for the right values,resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year,or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant.

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduatehonoursdegree (or international equivalent)
• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)
• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)
• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences
• Not be a qualified social worker

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort.

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.