Education secretary Damian Hinds said the funding for the charity Frontline would allow it to continue its work “attracting and training bright graduates and career changers, who aspire for a rewarding career as a social worker”.
The charity has recruited more than 1,000 people into its social work training programme since 2013.
It targets “high potential” graduates and those looking to change career. All trainees receive bursaries of up to £20,000.
Frontline chief executive Josh MacAlister said: “Every child deserves a safe and stable home.
“Today’s announcement means that Frontline can develop even more outstanding social workers to stand alongside those children and families who need them the most.”
ComRes research carried out for Frontline found that almost half of adults aged between 18 and 34 are considering a career change, and that a quarter of millennials would prioritise purpose over pay.
