37 hours per week

Fixed Term up to August 2028

Bridgend County Borough Council is opening its social work trainee programme for academic entry 2026. As a social work trainee you will undertake a structured programme of work-based learning, underpinned by the completion of a Social Work Postgraduate Diploma at Cardiff University.

As a social work trainee you will work with children, adults and their carers to focus on what matters to them and promote their well-being. This will involve working effectively with social workers, professionals and other relevant people to understand an individual's needs, capacity, resources and the outcomes they need to achieve, and then to identify how they can best be supported.

You will receive a full salary whilst undertaking the social work course at Cardiff University. Upon successfully completing the programme you will be appointed to a social work position. In return, we ask that you remain with the Authority for 2 years after achieving the award.

You will need to fulfil the Cardiff University Social Work Postgraduate Diploma eligibility requirements which include holding a recognised 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree, suitable evidence of Welsh / English Language ability, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK and evidence that you have relevant social care experience. There is no specific number of hours that you need to have achieved. Relevant experience can come from personal, voluntary, or paid roles. Experience should be from within the last five years. The experience should enable you to demonstrate an understanding of social work/care in the context of the UK and more specifically Wales. Details of your experience can be provided in the current and past employment and additional information sections of the BCBC application form.

Information on the Social Work (PgDip) is available on the Cardiff University website - click on this link

https://#removed#/study/postgraduate/taught/courses/course/social-work-pgdip

To apply for this post please complete and submit the BCBC application by application closing date.

The BCBC application form is to be submitted on-line.

If shortlisted, you will also complete the application for the PgDip at Cardiff university.

A copy of your degree certificate and any certification related to English or Welsh language ability that you hold should also by emailed to: #removed# by the closing date.

Interviews will be carried out jointly with Cardiff University programme staff and will take place at their Cardiff Campus.

Protecting children, young people or adults at risk is a core responsibility of all council employees.

An Enhanced Children and Adults Barred list criminal records check by the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) is a requirement for this post.

A valid driving licence is requirement for this post.

The council's Hybrid Working Policy applies to this post. This provides a framework for establishing how you will undertake working hours between your home and the office.

Closing Date: 22 April 2026

Shortlisting Date: 27 April 2026

Benefits to working at Bridgend County Borough Council

Job Description & Person Specification