Graduate Trainee Social Worker

Looking for a graduate career in children’s social work with purpose and progression? 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.

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work.

• Year one: Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work. Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators. Receive a tax-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’s social 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’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.

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.

• 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 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.