Home page
Donate now
Home page

Approach Social Work

A fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.
Register your interest

Why choose Approach Social Work?

Make a difference where it matters most

Social work is a career with meaning, development and room to grow.

On this programme, you’ll gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to build a career that makes life better for children.

 

What is a social worker?

Get qualified while you train

You’ll work towards your master’s degree during our three-year training programme.

In year one you’ll receive a tax-exempt bursary while training on the job. From year two, you’ll step into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker, earning up to £34,000.

Be supported from day one

Learn on the job with guidance from tutors, experienced social workers and a peer network with career-long support from the Frontline Fellowship.

More programme benefits

What you’ll do

As a social worker, you’ll help make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. No two days are the same. Your work might involve things like:

– Visiting children at home or school

– Supporting parents through difficult circumstances

– Working with teachers, health professionals and police

– Using evidence to make complex decisions in children’s best interests

And that’s only part of it. The role is wide-ranging and shaped by the needs of each child you work with. It’s challenging work but when done well, it changes lives.

A typical week on Approach Social Work

Programme overview

Year one

  • Begin study for your postgraduate diploma
  • Work full-time in a local authority team, supported by tutors and practice educators

Year two and three

  • Continue working towards your master’s degree
  • Join the Frontline Fellowship for ongoing career development and support
Programme overview

Pay and progression

Year one: Receive a bursary of £18,000 (£20,000 in London) to help with living costs.

Year two: Step into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to £34,000, or more in London)

Beyond: Opportunities to progress into senior practice, leadership, education or specialist roles

Pay, progression and support

Eligibility requirements

  • 2.2 in an undergraduate honours degree
  • GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above
  • Right to work and study in the UK until Sep 2029
  • Resident in England
  • Not social work qualified
Eligibility and assessment criteria

Application process

  1. Registration
  2. Application form
  3. Online test
  4. Assessment centre
  5. Pre-employment and programme checks
Full application process

Help centre

Have you got a question about Approach Social Work?

Help centre

Career events

Explore social work and an impactful social change career.

Upcoming events

This is the Work

Learn how we’re busting myths about social work

Find out more

Diversity and inclusion

Children at risk of harm need social workers who reflect the communities they support.

Approach Social Work is committed to increasing diversity within social work and supporting applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

Learn more

Sign up to our mailing list

Get the latest news and updates about Approach Social Work by signing up to our mailing list.

Sign up

Accolades

Funded by