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? 

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.