Trainee Social Worker

Approach Social Work 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 newly qualified social worker role 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 role 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…