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- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring safety and wellbeing while making a real difference.
- Company: Join Approach Social Work, a leading children's charity focused on impactful social work.
- Benefits: Earn a bursary, gain a master's degree, and enjoy career-long support.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact in children's lives while developing your skills and career.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed, just a passion for helping others and a relevant degree.
- Other info: Dynamic training programme with excellent progression opportunities and community support.
The predicted salary is between 15000 - 18000 ÂŁ per year.
Job Description
Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme)
Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development?Â
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. Â
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. Â
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.Â
About the programmeÂ
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. Â
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. Â
What to expectÂ
Year one:Â
- Begin study for your postgraduate diplomaÂ
- Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educatorsÂ
- Receive a bursary of ÂŁ18,000 or ÂŁ20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs
Year two and three:Â Â
- Move into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to ÂŁ34,000, or more in some London boroughs)Â
- Keep working towards your master’s degreeÂ
- Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and developmentÂ
The role:Â Â
You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means:Â
- Visiting a child at home or schoolÂ
- Supporting a parent through difficult circumstancesÂ
- Working with teachers, health professionals or policeÂ
- Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a childÂ
It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement.Â
Who we’re looking forÂ
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 requirementsÂ
- 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 workerÂ
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.Â
Apply now Â
Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.Â
Trainee Social Worker employer: Frontline
Contact Detail:
Frontline Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Social Worker
✨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.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by practising common questions. Think about how your values align with the role and be ready to share personal experiences that showcase your empathy and resilience.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and professionalism.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing the role. We’re all about supporting you on this journey, so make sure you take advantage of the resources we offer!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for social work shine through. We want to see why you care about making a difference in children's lives and how your values align with our mission.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Social Worker role. Highlight relevant experiences, even if they’re not directly in social work, that demonstrate your empathy, resilience, and commitment to supporting families.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon and focus on conveying your thoughts effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Frontline
✨Know Your Values
As a trainee social worker, it's crucial to understand and articulate your values. Reflect on why you want to make a difference in children's lives and how your personal beliefs align with anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices. This will show the interviewers that you're not just looking for a job, but a meaningful career.
✨Research the Programme
Familiarise yourself with the Approach Social Work programme and its objectives. Understand the structure, the support provided, and the skills you'll develop. Being able to discuss specific aspects of the programme will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Think of situations where you've shown empathy, resilience, or strong judgement. Whether it's through volunteering, work experience, or personal challenges, having concrete examples ready will help you illustrate your suitability for the role and your ability to handle difficult situations.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so prepare some insightful questions to ask your interviewers. Inquire about the support systems in place for trainees or how they measure success in the programme. This shows that you're proactive and genuinely interested in how you can thrive within their framework.
