At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, advocate for safety, and build meaningful relationships.
- Company: Join a leading children's charity dedicated to social work excellence.
- Benefits: Fully funded training, bursary support, and a master's degree.
- Other info: Final chance to apply for the summer 2026 cohort!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Open to all degree backgrounds; passion and commitment are key.
The predicted salary is between 1500 - 2000 £ per month.
Looking for a career in children’s social work with 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 a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, 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
- Year one: 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
- Year two and three: 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
The role:
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’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement.
Who we’re looking for
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. You don’t need 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.
Eligibility requirements:
- 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.
Locations
Trainee Social Worker in Durham, Stanley employer: Frontline
Approach Social Work is an exceptional employer, offering a fully funded training programme that equips aspiring social workers with the skills and support needed to make a meaningful impact in children's lives. With a strong emphasis on professional development, a supportive work culture, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can expect not only a rewarding career but also a pathway to a master's degree and ongoing fellowship opportunities. Located in various local authorities across England, this role provides a unique chance to engage directly with communities while receiving a competitive bursary and salary progression.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Social Worker in Durham, Stanley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current social workers or alumni from the programme. They can give you insider tips and might even help you land an interview. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for social work roles and practice your responses. We want to see your passion for making a difference, so be ready to share your experiences and values.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Whether it's through volunteering or relevant work experience, highlight how you've demonstrated empathy, resilience, and strong judgement. These are key traits we look for in candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme and what we’re looking for.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker in Durham, Stanley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and what drives your passion for social work. Share your experiences and values that align with making a difference in children's lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Trainee Social Worker role. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that show you understand the challenges and rewards of working with children and families.
Show Your Commitment:We’re looking for candidates who are genuinely committed to making a difference. Use your written application to demonstrate your resilience and dedication to social work. Share examples of how you've overcome challenges in the past!
Check Your Details:Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application shows attention to detail and professionalism. And remember, apply through our website to ensure your application is considered!
How to prepare for a job interview at Frontline
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the principles of social work. Be ready to discuss why you want to make a difference in children's lives and how your experiences have shaped your commitment to this field.
✨Research the Programme
Familiarise yourself with the Approach Social Work programme and its objectives. Understand the importance of anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices, and be prepared to share your thoughts on these topics during the interview. This shows your genuine interest and readiness to engage with the training.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of specific situations from your past where you've demonstrated empathy, resilience, or problem-solving skills. Whether it's from previous jobs, volunteering, or personal experiences, having these examples ready will help you illustrate your suitability for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t hesitate to ask questions about the programme, the support you'll receive, or the challenges faced in social work. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the programme is the right fit for you.
