Trainee Social Worker

Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme) is a three-year master’s programme, building a new, diverse generation of social workers. Designed and delivered by social work charity Frontline, we teach social work differently. By blending learning and practice, what you discover in theory is eased into real-life settings, supervised by a social worker. Gaining your postgraduate diploma within 12 months will be the first step in your life-changing career.

You’ll learn how to connect with children, young people, parents and carers. How to gain all important trust, so a family opens their door to you again. You’ll gain the technical knowledge and build on your relational skills. We’ll give you the time and support to develop your approach, with confidence.

You earn while you learn, and once you gain your qualification you’ll step right into a job. And through our Frontline Fellowship, you’ll join a network of peers intent on transforming social work practice in England.

What’s in it for you?

• Get paid from day one with a bursary in year one and a salary from year two.
• You’ll receive a tax-exempt bursary in year one of £18,000, that’s equivalent to a salary of £21,000. From your second year you’ll be a full-time employee with your local authority, with a salary of up to £34,000.
• Qualify as a social worker and complete a fully funded master’s degree.
• Get high-quality training and supervision from experienced social workers, academics and coaches in a rich, supportive environment.
• Become part of the Frontline Fellowship and receive ongoing support and training throughout your career.

What to expect as a trainee social worker

• Year 1: Start with five weeks of intense online study, including five in-person sessions, led by experts in social work theory. Begin your 12-month placement in a local council social work team, where you’ll work closely with fellow trainees and an experienced social worker. You’ll gradually take on more responsibility in supporting children and families. Qualify as a social worker by the end of your first year.
• Year 2: Manage your own caseload, building on your skills and confidence. Engage in ongoing study to further develop your professional abilities. Receive continued support from Frontline tutors, your employer and fellow trainees.
• Year 3: Conduct a research project and complete the academic credits needed for your fully-funded social work master’s degree. Receive leadership coaching to enhance your professional capabilities.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking for your potential to become an outstanding children’s social worker and leader, empowering families to achieve positive change. No specific experience is required to apply but you may have experience as a support worker, teaching assistant or in the social care, education or youth sector. We value diverse perspectives and experiences and a commitment to advocating for the communities’ social workers serve. We’re dedicated to fostering diversity in our programme and supporting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

You will also meet the following criteria:

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (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 2028).
• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences.
• Not be a qualified social worker.

Please note: There are only limited places remaining for the 2025 cohort. We have already closed many locations and will continue to close locations as places are filled. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, to avoid missing out.

Apply now.