Trainee Social Worker

Job description

Children's social work offers more than purpose; it offers a rewarding career with opportunities to grow and progress.

Join the profession through Approach Social Work, to receive an £18,000 - £20,000 tax-free bursary while you train. Then move into guaranteed employment as a newly qualified social worker in year two, earning £30,000 - £39,000, with a salary up to £44,000 in year three.

Make your work something you’re proud of.

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps people from all professional backgrounds become children's social workers. You'll gain the training, hands-on experience and support to build the skills needed to help children and families thrive.

You don't need any prior social work knowledge or experience to join us. We’re looking for people who are motivated to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children at risk of harm and ready to commit to three years of learning, working and growing.

Why Approach Social Work?

• Fully funded master's degree in children's social work; you won't pay a penny in tuition fees.

• Work directly with children and families while you train, putting your learning into practice straight away.

• £18,000–£20,000 tax-free bursary in year one to help with living and travel costs while you train.

• Guaranteed employment as a newly qualified social worker in a local authority when you successfully complete year one.

• Earn £30,000–£39,000 in year two, with salaries up to £44,000 in year three.*

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering ongoing support, networking and professional development.

The role of a children’s social worker

You’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. No two days are the same. Your work might involve visiting a child at home or school, working with teachers or health professionals, or supporting a parent through difficult circumstances. You’ll draw on evidence, weigh up risks, influence decisions and advocate for children, all while showing empathy, resilience and self-awareness.

There’s never been a more exciting time to join the profession. The government is leading nationwide reforms in children’s social work, which aim to strengthen support for families, increase collaboration between services and improve outcomes for children. As a newly qualified social worker, you’ll not only be supporting children and families, you’ll also help shape the future of social work practice.

How the programme works

Approach Social Work is an intensive three-year programme that combines academic study with hands-on practice. From the start, you’ll be helping children and families to make a lasting, positive difference in their lives.

Year one:

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work
• Learn within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced social workers, a tutor and a practice educator
• Work directly with children and families while you train, putting your learning into practice straight away
• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs

Years two and three:

• Move into a guaranteed paid employment as a newly qualified children's social worker
• Continue to receive training and support
• Complete your master's degree while you work
• Earn £30,000–£39,000 in year two, with salaries up to £44,000 in year three*

After the programme:

Continue your development through the Frontline Fellowship

*Salary information is based on self-reported earnings from participants in 2024 and 2025

Who we’re looking for

Whether you have recently graduated or are looking for a change after years in your profession, we welcome applicants from any career background. No social work experience is needed.

We're looking for people with empathy, resilience, self-awareness and strong judgement, who are motivated to make a difference.

Many candidates find it useful to have experience from a people-focused role, including education, healthcare, care, youth work, customer service, retail, hospitality, the charity sector and emergency services. We also see many applications from youth workers, support workers, family support workers, teachers, learning support assistants, teaching assistants, counsellors, care workers, key workers, charity workers and social work assistants. However, we have welcomed participants onto the programme from as varied backgrounds as Irish dancing, the military and magic circle law firms.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, ages and ethnicities, especially groups who are underrepresented in children's social work, such as men.

Eligibility requirements

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (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 2030)
• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences
• Not be a qualified social worker

Places are available in selected locations and applications will close as locations reach capacity. If you're eligible, apply early to avoid missing out.

Funded by UK Government. Delivered by Frontline.

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters.

Apply now

Formerly known as the Frontline programme.

Frontline is registered charity no. 1163194