Jobs

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? Do you have the commitment, empathy and resilience to support children, adults and families when they need it most? If so, this is an exciting opportunity to begin your professional journey as a Trainee Social Worker.

We are offering places on our Social Work Apprenticeship Programme, delivered in partnership with a local university. This gives you the opportunity to earn while you learn, combining real‑world experience with high‑quality academic teaching. You’ll work within our service while studying toward becoming a fully qualified Social Worker — gaining the skills, knowledge and confidence you need to succeed in the profession.

What You’ll Do

• Support individuals, families, and communities to achieve positive outcomes.
• Work alongside experienced Social Workers to assess needs and help plan support.
• Build meaningful relationships based on trust, respect, and professional curiosity.
• Participate in a structured training and academic programme through the university.
• Apply your learning directly to practice with the support of mentors and experienced practitioners.
• Reflect on your practice and continually develop your skills.

What We’re Looking For

You will need prior social care experience — and the right values and a genuine desire to help others. You will bring:

• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Empathy, patience, and a non‑judgemental approach.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure and manage sensitive situations.
• A commitment to learning and personal development.
• GCSEs (or equivalent) in English and Maths — additional qualifications are welcomed.

What We Offer

• A funded Social Work Degree Apprenticeship delivered with a local university.
• The opportunity to earn while you train.
• Professional support, mentoring, and coaching from experienced practitioners.
• A welcoming, values‑led team that celebrates learning and reflection.
• Access to development opportunities, wellbeing support, and flexible working where possible.
• The chance to begin a meaningful career that transforms lives.

Ready to Begin Your Social Work Career?

If you want to make a positive impact and grow into a rewarding profession, we want to hear from you.

What can I expect?

• A competitive salary
• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy up to 10 extra days of annual leave
• Hybrid working (subject to role suitability)
• Access to high-quality training programs to advance your career to the next level.
• We are committed to supporting the wellbeing of our staff. We recognise that resilient teams need good work life balance as well as supportive leadership.
• Discounted and subsidised public transport (Arriva Bus Annual Travel Ticket, Northern Trains Limited (NTL), MetroCard).
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and a Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contributions (AVC) scheme providing a tax efficient way to increase our pension.
• Great range of benefits including an Employee Assistant Programme, discounted membership to our excellent leisure facilities with free 12 weeks exercise program, discounts for a range of retail, entertainment, health and leisure providers, a cycle to work scheme, and many more

Want to know more?

If you would like to know more about the role, the recruitment process or working for Wakefield Council, feel free to contact.

Name: Rachel Catton

Tel: 01924966471

E-mail: rcatton@wakefield.gov.uk

Company: Wakefield Council

Salary: £28,598.00 - £31,537.00, Grade 6, 37 hours, Permanent

Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire

Sector: Health and Social Care

Sector: Social Care

Job Role: Social Worker