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- Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Company: Approach Social Work, dedicated to making a difference in communities.
- Benefits: Stable career with clear progression and ongoing support.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and commitment to social work.
- Other info: Join a supportive programme with opportunities for personal growth.
Trainee Social Worker -Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme)
Looking for a career in childrens 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, youll 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, youll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and masters degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you.
About the programme
Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into childrens social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.
On the programme, youll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. Youll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches and earn a masters 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 masters degree
- Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development
The role:
Youll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for childrens 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 whats safest for a child
Its a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement.
Who were looking for
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 dont 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.
Delivered by childrens charity Frontline – formerly known as the Frontline programme.
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 your programme. They can give you insider tips and might even know about job openings before they're advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about scenarios where you've demonstrated key skills like empathy and problem-solving. We want you to shine when it’s your turn to impress!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for social work in every conversation. Whether it's in an interview or a casual chat, let your enthusiasm for helping children and families come through. It makes a huge difference!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are eager to make a difference in the lives of others.
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 the lives of children and families. Share personal experiences or motivations that led you to this career path.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to fit the Trainee Social Worker role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the job description. We love seeing how you connect your background to what we do at Approach Social Work.
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 make sure your key points stand out, so we can quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do and how we support our social workers.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION
✨Know Your Why
Before the interview, take some time to reflect on why you want to become a social worker. Be ready to share your passion for helping children and families, as well as any personal experiences that have shaped your desire to pursue this career.
✨Research the Programme
Familiarise yourself with Approach Social Work and its values. Understanding their mission and how they support social workers will help you align your answers with what they’re looking for, showing that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to be asked about how you would handle specific situations involving children and families. Think of examples from your past experiences or hypothetical scenarios, and practice articulating your thought process clearly and confidently.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the programme is the right fit for you. Consider asking about the support provided during training or opportunities for professional development.
