Embarking on a career in care
COULD you care for a career?
The UK’s ageing population means there is a growing demand for
staff across a range of roles, including residential care homes and ‘home care’ staff who are carers who look after people in their own houses.
Around 4.3m million people already work in the care sector but there are 175,000 vacancies urgently needing to be filled.
As one of the most flexible jobs and positions vacant across the UK, it’s a career you can start almost immediately.
Here’s all you need to know about one of the most rewarding roles around, from Sun Jobs.
What type of person suits a career in care?
Care is a rewarding but it can be demanding. It requires dedication and passion to provide the best care for the vulnerable people being looked after.
Care roles suit empathetic and proactive people who are positive and motivated.
You’ll also need to be patient, attentive, kind-hearted and physically fit in order to carry out manual tasks.
What qualifications do I need for a career in care?
Most read in Money
There are no legally required qualifications for working in a care home, however, there are industry-recognised qualifications which will help you get hired.
The Care Certificate qualification comprises of 15 standards, which act as an induction to working in care.
This qualification can be done online and costs £49.99. You could also consider taking NVQ qualifications in care and many employers will support you to train as you work.
Remember too that you will need a DBS check, but this will be carried out by your employer.
How do I apply for a job in care?
Many entry-level jobs don’t require care experience, but you’ll be expected to show transferable skills which you can use in your job.
If you have had a career break to bring up children or look after an elderly relative, show this on your CV and discuss it at an interview as it demonstrates that you may well be able to do the job.
Jobseekers interested in a role in the sector can also get hands-on experience through free Sector-based Work Academy Programmes which help you gain the right skills and support you with job applications.
Speak to your local Job Centre for more information.
Can I progress up the career ladder in care?
Absolutely. Entry-level care jobs are very flexible with shifts offered around the clock and at weekends too.
First, find a job which fits with your lifestyle and other commitments. If you want to progress, you’ll need to take additional qualifications to help you move into supervisory and then management roles.
Progression into management can be fast and all care roles provide a high level of job security.
READY to take care with your next career move? has the top care vacancies available this week.
Care Practitioner (Nights), Mariposa Care Group, Carlisle
Night owl? You’ll love this overnight care role with full training given.
The Job: Mariposa Care Group is looking for a to work nights at its care home, Kingston Court.
What You’ll Do: You will support the individuals to live happy, healthy and quality lives through the delivery of exceptional standards and personalised care.
You will be involved in various aspects of the home, with no two shifts looking the same.
You’ll Need: There is no experience required for this role, as full training will be required, but the ideal person will have a passion and dedication for caring for others, have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as patience and compassion.
Apply Now: , along with other jobs with .
Female Live-In Carer, Greenwood Homecare, Peterborough
Love to care? Then consider this special live-in role.
The Job: Greenwood Healthcare is looking for a female .
What You’ll Do: You will enrich the lives of customers, allowing them to remain independently living in their own homes, not just safely, but in the lifestyle they’re accustomed to.
You will provide all aspects of personal and domestic care, including assistance with personal care, medication, day-to-day tasks such as meal preparation, cleaning and laundry, and providing companionship and support in customers’ activities.
You’ll Need: You must be eligible to work in the UK, have excellent communication skills and have great verbal and written English.
You’ll live in a customer’s home, offering one-to-one person-centred care. Previous experience, either work or family experience, would be an advantage.
Apply Now: , or discover more opportunities with .
Live-In Carer, Home Instead, Farmborough
Experienced with dementia care? Help make a difference to a client’s life with this wonderful opportunity.
The Job: Home Instead is hiring a to provide high-quality, relationship-led live-in care in Farmborough.
What You’ll Do: You will support clients with home help, companionship, and assistance with bathing and dressing in their own homes.
You will provide medical reminders and assistance with taking medications, assist with errands and transportation needs, and offer help with light housekeeping tasks, meal preparation and clean-up.
You’ll Need: The ideal candidate will have experience with live-in care, ideally including dementia care.
Patience, kindness and compassion are all essential qualities and a driving license offers a distinct advantage.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Apply Now: , along with other opportunities with .