Care work can be a very rewarding career. While it is sometimes challenging, it is popular because no two days are the same, and you also know that you’re doing something worthwhile and having a positive impact on people’s lives.
If you are thinking about pursuing a career as a care worker yourself, there are various routes to it. Here are some of the most common to consider.
Caring for a Relative or Friend – the Accidental Carer
Many people decide to go into care work after first caring for someone they know. This may be your situation right now if you care for an elderly friend or relative. Many people find this role rewarding and decide that they want to turn this into a career.
You may provide care every day or a few times a week, and this is the best way to experience care work for yourself. You may even have experience working with other care workers, perhaps through respite carers, and you could talk to them to find out how they got into the job if you want to pursue a career in care yourself.
Voluntary Work – Low Initial Commitment
Another common route into a career in care is through voluntary work, this is also an excellent way to find out what is involved in care work before committing to a new career.
Find out about voluntary groups in your local area and start to volunteer your services, perhaps even for an hour or so a week at first. This will provide you with first-hand experience in care work, and it’s a great way to find out whether this is something you would like to turn into a career.
It will also help you when you start looking for work because it will show you are committed and give you ideas and questions to ask potential training institutes or employers.
Apprenticeships in Care
Another good option is to apply for an apprenticeship in care work, which you may be able to do at certain care homes. This will help you to learn more about the role of a care worker and get hands-on experience, and it can be an excellent route into a career as a care worker.
Find out more about apprenticeships at the Gov.uk website.
What Are the Requirements to be a Carer?
There are no minimum qualifications required for a career as a care worker however they are advised and desired. The only minimal requirement is that you get a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and many employers will want to see that you have some experience, often in a voluntary role.
More important than qualifications is that you have strong abilities in speaking, listening, time management, teamwork and problem-solving, all of which are required when working as a care worker.
Prestige Nursing & Care strongly recommends relevant and related qualifications to assist you with your future career. These qualifications can consist of care certificates, NVQ in care, health and safety certificates, counselling qualifications and almost anything that relates to working with people in need.
More can be found out from the Skills for Care organisation’s website; http://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Home.aspx
Start Out as a Care Assistant in a Care Home
If you have some voluntary experience under your belt, you may be able to get a job as a care assistant. You will usually start as a trainee, and this could be in various settings such as a residential home or a day centre.
Once you get a job, you will carry out a 12-week induction programme that will be provided by your employer, and which will provide you with the basic skills you need. You will likely receive further training in specific areas like food hygiene and health and safety.
You may then undertake further training, such as the NVQ level two in care, which takes about two years to do and which you can do while you are working. There is also the NVQ level three if you want to take your training even further.
Enjoy a Fulfilling Career in Care
Care work is a fulfilling and rewarding career. If you want to consider a career in care, you might want to start by finding some voluntary work and seeing if you enjoy it. You can then use this to help you in your search for work, and it could be the start of an exciting new career.
Prestige Nursing & Care is always looking forward to hearing from skilled compassionate carers whether for Live-in care or day care in and around West Sussex. If you would like to be considered for a position with one of the world’s most trusted care agencies please complete the Application form. https://www.prestige-nursing.co.uk/jobs/
