Trainee Social Worker

The Frontline Organisation; Sittingbourne; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social work training provider in the UK is offering a fully funded training programme aimed at individuals from all degree backgrounds. Participants will gain practical experience, develop essential skills, and earn a master's degree while being supported throughout. This opportunity includes a bursary and a pathway to become a newly qualified social worker with competitive earning potential.

Benefits

Bursary of £18,000 or £20,000

Join the Frontline Fellowship for career support

Qualifications

• Right to work and study in the UK for the duration of the programme.
• Resident in England by the start of the programme.
• Not a qualified social worker.

Responsibilities

• Write reports and help decide what’s safest for a child.

Education

Undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above

Job description

Programme Overview

At Frontline – England’s largest social work charity – everything we do aims to make life better for children who need a social worker, to help keep them safe from harm and to give them every possible chance to fulfil their potential.

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. Social work 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.

What You’ll Learn

You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. 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.

Qualifications & Requirements

• At least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)
• GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or an approved equivalent qualification)
• Right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)
• Resident in England by the time the programme commences
• Not be a qualified social worker

Responsibilities & What to Expect

• Write reports and help decide what’s safest for a child

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 & 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