Job Description

As a Care Worker you will work will people who have difficulties with their day to day activities and need help to live a normal life. You could be working with children, the elderly, people with disabilities or families doing a range of duties which could include assistance with eating, mobility, washing and dressing and generally helping people to live as independently as possible. Duties could also include providing interesting activities and monitoring health. The nature of the work may require you to work evenings, weekends or split shifts.

Entry Requirements

There are various ways in which you can get into this job role.

College

You could take a college course, which may help when you look for work. A course example, Health and Social Care Extended Diploma.

You'll usually need:

For a level 2 course: 4 GCSEs at grade D (Grade 3) or equivalent to include maths and English.
For a level 3 course: 5 GCSEs at grade C or above (Grades 9 -4) or equivalent to include Maths and English.

The following local colleges offer courses in Health and Social Care:

Or your local 6th form may offer a relevant course

Apprenticeship

You could get into this job through an adult care worker intermediate apprenticeship or a lead adult care worker advanced apprenticeship.

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Click here to search for an apprenticeship.

Direct application

You could apply directly and do training on the job. You'll find it useful to have experience of working with people.

Some employers may expect you to have GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

pass enhanced background checks

Have a driving licence may be helpful if you're going to be working on shifts outside of public transport hours. Also it will help to be physically fit, as you may need to help lift or move people.

Career tips

You could do volunteering with a local organisation that supports vulnerable people for example, care home, charity, hospital, hospice, looking after someone you know.

Career Path and Progression

While employed as a care worker you can develop your skills by training in specific areas, like autism awareness, communication skills or supporting people with dementia.

With experience, you can become a lead care worker. You can also move into more senior jobs, like managing people or services, if you study for further qualifications. For example, a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care, or a degree in social work or nursing.

Related careers you may be interested in:

Palliative care assistant
Healthcare assistant
Nursing associate
Family support worker
Social work assistant

Required Skills

A friendly and caring approach
Good people skills with the ability to relate to people from a variety of backgrounds
Patience and understanding
A good sense of humour
A genuine desire to help others
The ability to work well under pressure
Good time management
A flexible approach

Salary Range

£12,500 to £25,000

Care Worker