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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children and families, advocate for safety, and build meaningful relationships.
- Company: Join England's largest social work charity dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Earn while you learn with a bursary and gain a master's degree.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives and develop your career with purpose.
- Qualifications: Open to all degree backgrounds; just bring your passion and commitment.
- Other info: Dynamic training programme with strong community support and career progression.
The predicted salary is between 18000 - 34000 ÂŁ per year.
Job Description
Real support. Real skills. A career that matters.
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Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme)
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Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development?
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What to expect
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Year one:
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- 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 ÂŁ18,000 or ÂŁ20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs
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Year two and three:
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- 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
- It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti- oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice.
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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:
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- 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
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It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement.
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Who we’re looking for;
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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.
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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.
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What you need;
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- 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
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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.
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Be part of something bigger. Join the next generation of social workers.
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Get qualified. Get hired. Make a difference. Apply Now!
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Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.
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Our reference: SE4080
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Vacancy: Trainee Social Worker
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Location: Apsley – HP3 9BF
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Salary: ÂŁ18,000 to ÂŁ34,000 when qualified
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Hours: Full time
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Smart Hire are advertising on behalf of The Frontline Organisation
Trainee Social Worker employer: The Frontline Organisation (Approach Social Work)
Contact Detail:
The Frontline Organisation (Approach Social Work) 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, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance! We’re all about making connections and want to see your application shine. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Frontline family.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for social work! Share why you want to make a difference in children's lives and how your values align with our mission. A personal touch can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that relate to the Trainee Social Worker role. Highlight any relevant coursework, volunteer work, or life experiences that demonstrate your commitment to anti-discriminatory practices.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We want to understand your thoughts easily, so make sure your application flows well and is easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the programme there.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Frontline Organisation (Approach Social Work)
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the mission of the organisation. Being able to articulate why you want to make a difference in children's lives will show your passion and commitment.
✨Research the Role
Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of a Trainee Social Worker. Understand the importance of building relationships and advocating for children's safety. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving children and families. Think through potential scenarios and how you would apply anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices. This will showcase your critical thinking and empathy.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready to ask the interviewer. This could be about the training programme or the support available for new social workers. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
