A great route into a caring profession
Would you like to help others whilst helping yourself? A career in adult social care can be extremely rewarding in a recent survey 96% of care workers said they felt their work really makes a difference. Maybe you d like to do a job that gives this level of satisfaction, and that would allow you to help improve others lives, but feel that you don t have the right experience or qualifications to show to an employer right now. If this sounds familiar, then an Apprenticeship in the social care sector might just be the way forward for you.
What is an Apprenticeship in adult social care? The Apprenticeship in social care offers apprentices a work-based learning environment, whilst they study for nationally recognised qualifications. The benefits are vast and apprentices don t even need previous experience. They can formalise their knowledge and gain new skills, whilst training and earning a salary. Apprentices have the chance to take part in a structured development pathway and develop a rewarding, long-term career in a sector that offers endless opportunities.
Did you know...? The vast majority of apprentices who successfully complete Apprenticeships are offered permanent positions by their employer. Most Apprenticeships last around one to two years and are primarily work-based, developing practical skills, with an offthe-job element which develops knowledge. Apprenticeships in social care are often flexible with regards to the number of hours you work every week as well as to the time of the day you work. Care isn t 9-5! Apprentices earn and learn, gaining new skills and a number of sector-recognised qualifications whilst being p Apprenticeships are not just for young people, they re open to everyone from 16 upwards.
There are more than 25 types of Apprenticeships in the social care sector. As well as the care-centred roles, there are Apprenticeships ranging from support workers to managers. There are three different levels of Apprenticeships in adult social care. Intermediate and Advanced Apprenticeships are available depending on your experience, skills and qualifications. The Higher Apprenticeship is designed for managers and senior practitioners. aid. Once your Apprenticeship is complete, you ll have gained experience as well as formal qualifications and transferable skills, so your career prospects will be much better. Adult social care is a growing sector, and one that offers increasing opportunities for progression; many apprentices go on to take up management and leadership roles.
How to become an apprentice
The good news is that there s loads of help and support out there if you decide you d like to know more about becoming a social care apprentice. The National Apprenticeship Service (NAS) has a national database of Apprenticeship vacancies that you can browse online. You can also speak to your local college or learning provider about the best route into a caring profession. They can provide support on the process of finding an employer that will offer you the right opportunity within the sector. If you re already working in the social care sector, you can speak to your manager about the possibility of starting an Apprenticeship in social care, as part of your career development. It s easier than you think and there are opportunities for everyone, regardless of your previous experience.
It was so much better for me to learn on the job. Danielle Parker aged 17 Health and Social Care Assistant
While Danielle was in her final year at high school, she was sure she wanted to work with older people; she was equally sure she didn t want to go on to further education. But it was only when she heard about Apprenticeships that she realised what her next step would actually be. After successfully applying for an Apprenticeship at the Manor House in Chatburn, a private care home for older people, Danielle began her placement shortly afterwards. Just under one year after starting her Apprenticeship, Danielle was delighted to be offered a permanent full-time position at Manor House. Danielle is certain she made the right decision in becoming an apprentice. She s now preparing for further study and is determined to continue and progress in this field. She s proud of her achievements, and that she has such a satisfying job. Danielle worked closely with a senior member of staff at all times, firstly observing and then undertaking the work under supervision. She worked four days a week at the home, attending college on Tuesdays, to study for her qualifications in health and social care. The new experiences she had encountered at Manor House were invaluable, bringing practical knowledge to the theory she was learning on the course. Danielle Parker Health and Social Care Assistant
I would definitely recommend the Apprenticeship programme to those who want to gain experience in care, whilst training and studying. It s a brilliant programme and the training is second to none. Oliver Rutherford aged 19 Adult Social Care Apprentice
Oliver Rutherford (Ollie) left school at the age of 16 and was unclear about which career path he wanted to take. Following a few short-term roles, Ollie heard about the Apprenticeship scheme in care at Oaklands and was excited at the prospect of being able to work and train, whilst being paid. Ollie started the Apprenticeship programme at the age of 18, and believes that his life direction has been transformed. Ollie initially shadowed project workers and was tasked to get to know the people using the service; all helping him to gain confidence. Ollie has risen to the challenge of working with adults with mental health and learning difficulties. He relishes the shift patterns, as they offer flexibility and the chance to work in different areas of the organisation, whether it s in the assessment unit or supporting individuals in their homes. Each day varies and can include escorting people who use the service to medical appointments, helping them to shop and cook, or just offering emotional support over a cup of tea. He works with adults with varying needs, across different age groups. After leaving school, Ollie didn t think that he would be studying again, but believes that the Apprenticeship is the ideal work-based route to a skilled occupation that s supported by ongoing learning. He has attained a number of nationally recognised qualifications that will help him to progress this chosen career. The support he has received has been invaluable. College assessors visit him at his workplace fortnightly and offer advice and support for his assessments, with his mentor offering constant on-the-job support. Ollie realises that through ongoing training and hard work, he can go as far as possible in the care sector. He plans to progress onto the next level and potentially specialise in mental health in the future.
What social care apprentices say "The Apprenticeship programme is a perfect combination of work and study, whilst earning a salary." I started on an Apprenticeship and I m very grateful for that opportunity. It s a fantastic pathway into social care. Stephanie Taylor, aged 24 Support Worker Certitude
"My job in social care has kept me on the straight and narrow and given me a direction to focus on." Jamie May General Assistant Stephanie Taylor Referrals Co-ordinator Sian Hendry Support Worker
What social care apprentices say I was surprised to find that Apprenticeships weren t just for young people. At the age of forty, I have the experience and ambition to know where I want my career to go. The Apprenticeship programme suits my lifelong learning needs. I don t think age matters, as long as the matter doesn t age! Arceli Villanueva Senior Carer/Nutrition Champion
The best thing about working in social care is knowing that you are helping other people and that every day is different. Ellie Fudge Apprentice in Adult Social Care
This document is part of Skills for Care's comprehensive range of resources that includes case studies and guides aimed at potential apprentices and employers considering adult social care Apprenticeships. Leaflets and posters are also available for teachers and career advisers, Year 9 pupils and school leavers. For more information about social care Apprenticeships and to access further resources, please visit: www.skillsforcare.org.uk/apprenticeships You can also see us online or get in touch via: YouTube www.youtube.com/user/skillsforcare Facebook www.facebook.com/icareapprenticeships Twitter @skillsforcare Skills for Care West Gate 6 Grace Street Leeds LS1 2RP Telephone 0113 245 1716 Email info@skillsforcare.org.uk Skills for Care 2014