Trainee Social Worker

Trainee Social Worker

Abingdon Trainee 18000 - 20000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children and families, advocate for safety, and build meaningful relationships.
  • Company: Approach Social Work, a leading children's charity with a mission to make a difference.
  • Benefits: Fully funded training, bursary support, and a pathway to a master's degree.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in children's lives while developing your career with purpose.
  • Qualifications: Open to all degree backgrounds; just bring your passion and commitment.
  • Other info: Join a supportive community with excellent career growth opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 18000 - 20000 £ per year.

Overview

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, 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 masters degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you.

The Programme

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, 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 masters degree along the way.

Year One

What to expect

  • 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

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 childrens charity Frontline – formerly known as the Frontline programme.

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Trainee Social Worker employer: www.jdiez.com

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 personal development, a supportive work culture, and a generous bursary, employees can thrive while pursuing their master's degree and enjoying career progression within a community dedicated to anti-discriminatory practices.
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Contact Detail:

www.jdiez.com 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 conversations and interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to child welfare and social justice. It’s all about connecting with the values of the programme.

✨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 always looking for candidates who are eager to learn and grow in this rewarding field.

We think you need these skills to ace Trainee Social Worker

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

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 children's lives and how your values align with our mission.

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application for the Trainee Social Worker role. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that demonstrate your commitment to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices, as these are key to our approach.

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 enthusiasm comes across without overwhelming us with too much information.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the programme and what we’re looking for.

How to prepare for a job interview at www.jdiez.com

✨Know Your Values

Before the interview, take some time to reflect on your personal values and how they align with the principles of social work. Be ready to discuss your commitment to anti-discriminatory and anti-oppressive practices, as these are crucial in this field.

✨Showcase Your Empathy

During the interview, share specific examples from your past experiences where you demonstrated empathy and resilience. Whether it's through volunteering or previous jobs, showing that you can connect with others is key in social work.

✨Research the Programme

Familiarise yourself with the Approach Social Work programme and its goals. Understanding the structure, support systems, and the importance of the Frontline Fellowship will help you articulate why you're a great fit for their mission.

✨Prepare Questions

Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This shows your genuine interest in the role and the organisation. You might ask about the types of cases you'll encounter or how the programme supports ongoing development.

Trainee Social Worker
www.jdiez.com
Location: Abingdon

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