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 generous holiday entitlement.
- 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 30000 - 40000 £ 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. We recognise that resilient teams need good work-life balance as well as supportive leadership.
- Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
- 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 Assistance 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.
Trainee Social Worker x 7 in Wakefield employer: Wakefield Council
Join a values-driven organisation that prioritises the wellbeing of its staff while making a significant impact in the community. As a Trainee Social Worker, you will benefit from a funded Social Work Degree Apprenticeship, professional mentoring, and a supportive work culture that encourages personal growth and reflection. With flexible working options, generous holiday entitlement, and access to a range of employee benefits, this is an excellent opportunity to start a meaningful career that transforms lives.
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. They can offer insights and might even know about job openings before they're advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role. We want to see your passion for helping others shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills during any assessments or practical tasks. Be ready to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, as these are key in social work.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the apprenticeship programme there.
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker x 7 in Wakefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for making a difference! In your application, share specific examples of how you've supported others in the past. This will help us understand your commitment to social work and your genuine desire to help.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the values and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your communication skills, empathy, and any relevant experience you have. We want to know why you're the perfect fit for this role!
Be Authentic:We appreciate honesty and authenticity. Don’t be afraid to share your personal journey and what led you to pursue a career in social work. This helps us connect with you on a deeper level and see your true self.
Apply Through Our Website:To make things easier for both of us, please apply through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wakefield 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 about specific situations where you've demonstrated empathy, patience, or resilience. Prepare examples that illustrate your strong communication and relationship-building skills, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to handle sensitive situations. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios related to social work, focusing on how you would approach building trust and respect with individuals and families. This will demonstrate your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be prepared to ask insightful questions about the apprenticeship programme, mentorship opportunities, and the team culture. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
