Trainee Social Worker

THE FRONTLINE ORGANISATION; Exeter; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A children's charity is seeking applicants for a social work training programme in Exeter. This fully funded initiative provides a pathway into children's social work, including a master's degree. Successful candidates will develop vital skills while earning a living wage and gaining real-world experience. The programme values diversity, welcoming candidates from all backgrounds, especially those underrepresented in the sector.

Benefits

Salary during training

Bursary for living costs

Master's degree

Qualifications

• Applicants must have at least a 2.2 in an undergraduate degree.
• GCSE English Language at Grade C / 4 or above required.
• No prior experience in social work needed.

Responsibilities

• Build relationships and advocate for children's safety.
• Support parents through challenges.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals.

Skills

Empathy

Resilience

Strong judgement

Education

Undergraduate degree (2.2 minimum)

Job description

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 masters 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 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.

What to expect

Year one:

• 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 childrens 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.

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

Who we are looking for

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.

You don't need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. If you are in your final year of studying for an undergraduate honours degree, we'd love to hear from you. Alternatively, you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, care worker, key 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.

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters.

Apply now

Delivered by childrens charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.