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 pathway to a master's degree.
- 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.
- Other info: Final chance to apply for the summer 2026 cohort; limited locations available.
The predicted salary is between 1500 - 1800 £ 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 programmeApproach 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.
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 forYou 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 already
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. Apply now.
Trainee Social Worker employer: THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION
Contact Detail:
THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION 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. 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 recommend using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for making a difference! In your interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to children's welfare. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way, so take advantage of all 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! Share why you want to make a difference in children's lives and how your values align with the role. We want to see your commitment to supporting families and advocating for children's wellbeing.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for this specific programme. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that relate to working with children and families. We love seeing how your background can contribute to our mission!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and make sure your ideas flow logically. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read, so take your time to edit and refine your work before submitting.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is received and considered. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the programme and what we’re looking for in candidates like you.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the mission of Approach Social Work. Be ready to discuss why you want to make a difference in children's lives and how your background supports this commitment.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Even if you don’t have direct social work experience, think about any roles where you've supported others, like being a youth worker or teaching assistant. Prepare specific examples that highlight your skills in empathy, resilience, and decision-making.
✨Understand Child-Focused Practice
Familiarise yourself with child-focused practices and the principles of anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive approaches. Being able to discuss these concepts during your interview will show that you’re serious about the role and understand its complexities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare a few insightful questions to ask your interviewers. This could be about the support you'll receive during the programme or how the fellowship can help you grow in your career. It shows your enthusiasm and genuine interest in the position.