CAREERS
Your career path
Whether you’re a seasoned carer wanting to progress along your current career path, are curious about switching to a career in care or just want to get your foot in the door while earning some money, there are plenty of pathways to get where you want to be.
If you’re new to the care industry and keen to see if it’s the right career for you, this is a good place to start;
Volunteering
Giving some of your time in exchange for experience is a great way to test the water and see if this is the career for you. Look for opportunities within charities, organisations or local companies.
Part time work
Working over weekends or holidays will give you a taste, while allowing you to continue in education or other work. You can see what is involved, talk to other employees and explore the opportunities that might suit you.
Look for opportunities on job sites, social media, local press and talking to people already working.
Introduction to the sector
If you are interested in undertaking some learning or qualifications that will introduce you to the adult social care sector, visit Skills for Care for useful information and guidance.
Look for opportunities by talking to your college or school, the job centre or online.
Traineeship
Some organisations within the East Riding may offer traineeships. They develop your employability skills to help you progress into an apprenticeship or employment. Traineeships are for 16 – 24 year olds who aren’t in employment and include work preparation training such as CV writing, support with your English and maths skills and a work placement.
Look for opportunities by talking to your college or school, the job centre or online.
Level 2 apprenticeships
Taking an apprenticeship in care, or other disciplines such as management and associated career paths, is a great option if you’re ready to start work and want to develop your skills and knowledge in the sector.
Apprenticeships involve working with a social care employer whilst achieving a qualification (this could be at college), doing skills training and earning a wage. There are different levels of apprenticeships, starting at level 2 which is a great first step if you’re new to care.
Look for opportunities by talking to your college or school, the job centre or online.
Once you’ve decided that a career in caring is for you, there are plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and develop your expertise;
Level 3 & 4 apprenticeships
These aren’t just for school leavers or new employees. When you’re ready to progress, an Advanced level 3 or Intermediate level 4 apprenticeship will take you further along your career pathway
Look for opportunities by talking to your employer or looking online.
Graduate Management programme
The one-year Graduate Management programme is open to ambitious graduates from any degree subject. It is designed to fast-track graduates into leadership roles to become an effective leader and make a real impact on the lives of others. Graduates will gain a leadership and management qualification, plus a project management accreditation.
Look for opportunities by talking to your local college or university.
Qualifications
There are over 50 vocational qualifications at different levels in social care. They’re specific to social care and teach you the practical skills and knowledge you need for your role or the role you want to progress into.
Look for opportunities by talking to your employer or looking online.
Once you’ve progressed to a lead or advanced practitioner role, you can progress into a more advanced management or professional role with greater responsibility.
These roles can be very specialised, such as a social worker or occupational therapist, or be a management role where you are responsible for teams and their development.
The best way to find out more information is through the professional body, where you can learn more about the role, the skills and the qualifications needed.
Useful links
There are a vast number of opportunities for work and a huge amount of information available, which can be confusing and overwhelming. These are some links to sites which explain more;
Understanding different job roles
Explore different job roles and what they entail.
Care career paths explained
Explore ways your career can develop and progress.