How to Start a Career in Care

Starting Your Career in Care

There are many opportunities to work in social care in all four UK nations. The requirements are slightly different, depending on where you live and work, but the first step is to look at jobs available and find one that suits you. You will then need to make an application. If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview.

Care Qualifications

For some roles, you will need to have qualification(s) and registration with a national body may also be required. There are, however, many care assistant jobs where you can start without a qualification and then work towards one once you are employed. The qualifications are nearly all work-based and have elements of both knowing and doing. Many qualifications are fully funded. If you choose or need to pay for your training, loans are available to help with the costs.

When you start a new job, there will also be an induction which often includes shadowing more experienced staff and attending some training sessions.

Care Career Progression

A career in social care can be flexible. The skills and knowledge you acquire can easily be transferred to different settings and different situations.

Social care workers can progress to become senior staff or managers. Some decide to take further training and become social workers or specialist practitioners. You might begin your career in a residential care setting for older people but later change to working in the community or offering care in your own home. Or you might start your career as a housekeeper in a care home and then progress to undertaking a care role.

You can search online to find out more about career opportunities in social care.

Care Careers in England

The Every Day is Different and the ThinkCareCareers are two examples of websites where you can learn about the sector and the type of jobs available.

If you’re aged between 16-30, you will be able to access free job coaching support from The Prince’s Trust once you have completed the course. The job coaching is designed to give you the tools to fast track you into a job.

The Prince’s Trust works with hundreds of social care employers in England and they know what these employers look for in applications and interviews. They will link you to one of their job coaches who will give you free insider hacks so that you succeed in applications with them.

Cymru

Mae Gofalwn Cymru yn cynnig ystod eang o astudiaethau achos sy’n egluro beth yw gweithio mewn gofal.

Care Careers in Wales

WeCare Wales offers a wide range of case studies explaining what it is like working in care.

Care Careers in Scotland

Adult Social Care provides in-depth information on everything you need to know about starting a career in social care.

So, get searching – good luck!