At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals and families to achieve positive outcomes while gaining real-world experience.
- Company: Join a values-led team dedicated to transforming lives through social work.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a funded Social Work Degree Apprenticeship and competitive salary.
- Other info: Enjoy flexible working, wellbeing support, and access to development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in people's lives and grow into a rewarding profession.
- Qualifications: Prior social care experience, strong communication skills, and a commitment to learning.
The predicted salary is between 28598 - 31537 £ per year.
Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Do you have the commitment, empathy and resilience to support children, adults and families when they need it most? If so, this is an exciting opportunity to begin your professional journey as a Trainee Social Worker. We are offering places on our Social Work Apprenticeship Programme, delivered in partnership with a local university. This gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn, combining real‑world experience with high‑quality academic teaching. You’ll work within our service while studying toward becoming a fully qualified Social Worker — gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in the profession.
What You’ll Do
- Support individuals, families, and communities to achieve positive outcomes.
- Work alongside experienced Social Workers to assess needs and help plan support.
- Build meaningful relationships based on trust, respect, and professional curiosity.
- Participate in a structured training and academic programme through the university.
- Apply your learning directly to practice with the support of mentors and experienced practitioners.
- Reflect on your practice and continually develop your skills.
What We’re Looking For
You will need prior social care experience — and the right values and a genuine desire to help others. You will bring:
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
- Empathy, patience, and a non‑judgemental approach.
- The ability to stay calm under pressure and manage sensitive situations.
- A commitment to learning and personal development.
- GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths — additional qualifications are welcomed.
What We Offer
- A funded Social Work Degree Apprenticeship delivered with a local university.
- The opportunity to earn while you train.
- Professional support, mentoring, and coaching from experienced practitioners.
- A welcoming, values‑led team that celebrates learning and reflection.
- Access to development opportunities, wellbeing support, and flexible working where possible.
- The chance to begin a meaningful career that transforms lives.
Ready to Begin Your Social Work Career?
If you want to make a positive impact and grow into a rewarding profession, we want to hear from you.
What can I expect?
- A competitive salary.
- Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave.
- Hybrid working (subject to role suitability).
- Access to high-quality training programmes to advance your career to the next level.
- We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
- Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise programme, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more.
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Salary: £28,598.00 – £31,537.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent
Trainee Social Worker x 7 in Wakefield employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
Join a values-driven team in Wakefield, where your passion for making a difference can flourish. Our Social Work Apprenticeship Programme offers a unique opportunity to earn while you learn, supported by experienced mentors and a welcoming work culture that prioritises personal development and wellbeing. With competitive salaries, generous holiday entitlements, and access to a range of benefits, we are committed to helping you build a meaningful career that transforms lives.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee Social Worker x 7 in Wakefield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current social workers or those in the field. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have. You never know, they might even know of openings that aren't advertised yet!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about how your past experiences relate to the role of a Trainee Social Worker. We suggest using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've made a difference in someone's life. This will demonstrate your commitment and empathy, which are key traits for a social worker.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the apprenticeship programme and what we offer to support your journey.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker x 7 in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for making a difference shine through in your application. We want to see your commitment to supporting individuals and families, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your empathy and resilience.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and skills mentioned in the job description. We’re looking for strong communication and relationship-building skills, so give examples that demonstrate these qualities.
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We appreciate authenticity, so share your genuine desire to help others and how you’ve developed your skills in social care.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan Council
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to become a Trainee Social Worker. Be ready to share your passion for making a difference in people's lives and how your values align with the role. This will show your genuine commitment and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight any prior social care experience you have, even if it's informal. Think of specific examples where you've demonstrated empathy, patience, or resilience. Prepare to discuss these experiences in detail, as they will illustrate your ability to handle sensitive situations effectively.
✨Practice Active Listening
During the interview, make sure to listen carefully to the questions being asked. Respond thoughtfully and ask clarifying questions if needed. This not only shows your communication skills but also your ability to build meaningful relationships based on trust and respect.
✨Reflect on Learning
Be prepared to discuss how you approach personal development and learning. Share examples of how you've reflected on past experiences to improve your skills. This demonstrates your commitment to growth and aligns with the values of continuous learning that the role requires.
