Trainee Social Worker

Trainee Social Worker

Middlesbrough Trainee 1500 - 1800 £ / month (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children and families, ensuring safety and wellbeing while making a real difference.
  • Company: Join Frontline, a leading children's charity dedicated to social work.
  • Benefits: Fully funded training, bursary support, and a pathway to a master's degree.
  • Why this job: Make a lasting impact in children's lives while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Open to all degree backgrounds; passion for social work is key.
  • Other info: Final chance to apply for the 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 programme

Approach 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.
The role:

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 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 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.

Delivered by children's charity Frontline - formerly known as the Frontline programme.

Trainee Social Worker employer: THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION

Approach Social Work is an exceptional employer, offering a fully funded training programme that equips aspiring social workers with the skills and experience needed to make a meaningful impact in children's lives. With a strong emphasis on professional development, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, a generous bursary during training, and the opportunity to join the Frontline Fellowship for ongoing career support. This role not only provides stability and progression but also allows you to contribute to vital community work in a rewarding environment.
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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 get your foot in the door.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about how your experiences align with the values of social work. We want to see your passion and commitment shine through!

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your soft skills! Social work is all about empathy, resilience, and communication. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated these qualities in your life.

✨Tip Number 4

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 on your journey to becoming a social worker.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker

Empathy
Resilience
Strong Judgement
Relationship Building
Advocacy Skills
Decision-Making Skills
Report Writing
Understanding of Child-Focused Practice
Anti-Discriminatory Practices
Anti-Oppressive Approaches
Anti-Racist Approaches
Commitment to Making a Difference
Ability to Work with Diverse Groups
Collaboration with Professionals

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 straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your motivations and qualifications.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the programme right there!

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 experiences have shaped your commitment to social work.

✨Research the Programme

Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the Approach Social Work programme. Understand its structure, the support it offers, and the skills you'll develop. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also help you articulate why this programme is the right fit for you.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect to be asked about how you would handle various situations involving children and families. Think through potential scenarios and practice your responses. Highlight your empathy, resilience, and decision-making skills, as these are crucial in social work.

✨Show Your Commitment to Diversity

Given the focus on anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices, be prepared to discuss your understanding of these concepts. Share any relevant experiences or insights that demonstrate your commitment to inclusivity and your ability to work with diverse communities.

Trainee Social Worker
THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION
Location: Middlesbrough

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