Training Opportunities

Social care is a very rewarding career with many different job roles which you can do. There’s also plenty of opportunities to train and get qualified and no matter what role you start in or where you are in your career path, there are always opportunities to develop and progress in social care.

Carer holding arm of elderly patient waiting to throw a ball
Young female carer and patient smiling while pressing hands together

How you can progress

Remember, progression can take on many different routes and can be:

  • sideways into a different type of job which could involve working in a different setting or with a different group of people
  • a move up into a job with more responsibility, which requires new skills, knowledge and qualifications.

Social care is always adapting and changing to meet the needs of an ageing population and to support people living longer with complex conditions. There’s also great focus on supporting people to live independently, often at home or in supported accommodation.

Progressing in your career is partly your responsibility and partly your employers. However, there are some things you can do to support your career progression.

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Do qualifications

With over 50 vocational qualifications at different levels in social care there is plenty to choose from. They’re specific to social care and will teach you the practical skills and knowledge you need for your role or the role you want to progress into.

You could also do an apprenticeship to help you progress; they’re available for new and existing staff of any age.

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Do training

In any role you’ll have to do some mandatory training; this might include moving and handling, health and safety, food hygiene, fire safety or a condition specific awareness course.

There should be plenty of opportunities to do additional training at work and this could include classroom based training, e-learning or on the job training.

You might also want to do some training outside of work to develop your own skills. You can often find learning resources online, or you might want to enrol on a course at your local college.

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Have the right attitude and show a willingness to learn

What’s important is that you show the right attitude and make the most of any learning opportunities you get.