Trainee Social Worker

Trainee Social Worker – Fully Funded Training Programme

Employer: Frontline
Locations: Birmingham, Coventry and Wolverhampton, England
Salary: £18,000–£20,000 tax-free bursary in Year 1; £30,000–£39,000 in Year 2; up to £44,000 in Year 3
Contract: Full-time, permanent employment following successful completion of Year 1
Working Pattern: Full-time
Programme: Three years
Closing Date: 3 December 2026
Visa Sponsorship: Applicants must already have the right to work and study in the UK, including access to public funds, until September 2030. Visa sponsorship is not stated in the advert.

Job Overview

Frontline is recruiting candidates for its Approach Social Work programme, a fully funded three-year training pathway designed to help people from different professional backgrounds qualify as children’s social workers.

The programme combines academic study, practical experience and paid employment, allowing participants to develop the skills needed to support vulnerable children and families.

No previous social work knowledge or experience is required. Applications are welcome from recent graduates and people looking to change careers.

Successful participants will receive a fully funded master’s degree in children’s social work, practical experience within a local authority and guaranteed employment as a newly qualified children’s social worker after successfully completing the first year.

Salary and Programme Benefits

Participants will receive:

• Year 1: £18,000–£20,000 tax-free bursary, depending on location, to support living and travel expenses.
• Year 2: £30,000–£39,000 salary.
• Year 3: Salaries of up to £44,000.
• Fully funded postgraduate and master’s-level social work education.
• Guaranteed employment as a newly qualified children’s social worker after successfully completing Year 1.
• Practical training and supervision from experienced social workers, tutors and practice educators.
• Continued professional development and support through the Frontline Fellowship.

Salary figures for Years 2 and 3 are based on self-reported earnings from programme participants in 2024 and 2025.

About the Approach Social Work Programme

The programme runs for three years and combines academic learning with hands-on experience.

Year 1 – Training and Study

• Begin studying towards a postgraduate diploma in social work.
• Work within a local authority social work team.
• Receive guidance from experienced social workers, tutors and practice educators.
• Gain practical experience working directly with children and families.
• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20%, depending on location.

Years 2 and 3 – Employment and Qualification

• Progress into paid employment as a newly qualified children’s social worker.
• Earn between £30,000 and £39,000 in Year 2.
• Earn up to £44,000 in Year 3.
• Complete the master’s degree while working.
• Continue receiving professional training and support.

After completing the programme, participants can continue their professional development through the Frontline Fellowship.

Key Responsibilities

As a children’s social worker, your responsibilities may include:

• Supporting children who are at risk of harm.
• Visiting children and families at home or school.
• Assessing children’s needs, safety and welfare.
• Working with parents to improve family circumstances.
• Collaborating with teachers, healthcare professionals and other agencies.
• Assessing risks and helping inform important decisions about children’s welfare.
• Advocating for children and ensuring their voices are heard.
• Helping children and families access appropriate support and services.

Who Can Apply?

Frontline welcomes applications from people with different educational and professional backgrounds.

Previous social work experience is not required. Experience in people-focused roles can be helpful, including:

• Healthcare and social care.
• Education and teaching.
• Youth and family support.
• Customer service and retail.
• Hospitality.
• Charity and voluntary work.
• Emergency services.
• Counselling and community support.

Applicants should demonstrate empathy, resilience, self-awareness, sound judgement and a genuine commitment to improving children’s lives.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the programme, applicants must:

• Hold or be predicted to achieve at least a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or international equivalent.
• Have GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above, or an approved equivalent qualification.
• Have the right to work and study in the UK, including access to public funds, for the entire programme until September 2030.
• Be resident in England by the time the programme starts.
• Not already be a qualified social worker.

Available Locations

The 2027 programme has opportunities in the following locations:

• Birmingham.
• Coventry.
• Wolverhampton.

Places are available in selected locations, and applications may close early when locations reach capacity. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Application Process

Interested candidates should visit the official Frontline recruitment page to review the programme details, confirm their eligibility and submit an online application.

Programme delivered by: Frontline
Funding: UK Government

Closing Date: 3 December 2026