Trainee Social Worker

Salary: £18,000 - £34,000

Hours of work: Full time

Contract type: Fixed term (3 years)

A bit about us:

At Frontline – a charity working in England – everything we do aims to make life better for children at risk of harm. 

Each year, our nation's social workers support hundreds of thousands of children who do not have a safe and stable home. They make a real difference to their lives and to those of their families. Our mission is to create social change for children and families, by developing excellent social work practice, leadership and innovation.

All about the role:

Approach Social Work (formerly known as the Frontline programme) 

Looking for a career with purpose and a clear path for development? 

As a social worker, you'll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. It's a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this 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 
• Learn alongside 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 

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 role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. 

Who we're looking for 

You don't need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. We welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from those underrepresented in the sector, including men and people from racially diverse communities. 

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
• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences  
• Not be a qualified social worker 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

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

Find out more and apply:

Locations close as they reach capacity, so we recommend completing your application as soon as possible to give yourself the best chance of securing a place at one of our assessment centres. 

Submit your application on our website today.

Closing date (and time): 9th December 2025

Interview date:  TBC

Commencement date: 13 July 2026

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