Trainee Social Worker

Overview

Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme)

Looking for a careerin children’s social workwith purpose and a clear path for development?

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

As achildrenandfamiliessocial worker,you’llwork directly with children to make suretheyare safe,supported and able to thrive.

Social work isa career that offers stability,progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On thisfully funded social work training programme,you’llbe supported from day one and gain the skills,experience and master’s degreetosucceed, wherever your career takes you.

About the programme

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches — and earn a master’s degree along the way.

What to expect

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma
• Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators
• Receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs

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

You’ll learn 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 professionals or police
• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest 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,oryou may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as ayouth 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 undergraduate degree (honours) (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.

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters.

To apply, please visit our website via the button below.

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