A care worker supports individuals who need assistance with daily living due to age, illness, or disability. This can include helping clients with personal care such as washing and dressing, preparing meals, providing companionship, and ensuring medication is taken as prescribed. Care workers may work in private homes, care homes, or community settings. The job requires patience, empathy, and good communication skills. Shifts can include evenings, weekends, and sometimes overnight stays, depending on the needs of the clients. It is a rewarding career for those who enjoy helping others and making a difference in people's lives.
The average salary for a care worker in the UK is between £19,000 and £25,000 per year depending on experience and location.
As of 2023, there are over 165,000 vacancies for care workers and home carers across the UK, highlighting a high demand for this role.
Around 80 percent of care workers are employed in residential care homes or clients' own homes, while the remaining work in community centres or day care facilities.
Supports individuals with dementia in residential care homes or private residences, providing specialised help with daily living and emotional support.
Works directly with people who have learning disabilities, helping them with personal care, social activities, and gaining independence.
Provides compassionate care and support to individuals in the final stages of life, working closely with their families and healthcare teams.
Learn about what being a care worker involves and the different types of care settings.
Explore the duties of care workers, such as supporting clients with personal hygiene, meals, and general wellbeing. Look into different environments, like domiciliary (home) care, residential care homes, or day centres. Check reputable websites like Skills for Care and the NHS for real-life stories and job profiles.
Develop the soft skills needed for caring roles, such as patience and effective communication.
Care work requires you to be understanding, patient, and able to communicate clearly with clients, their families, and other professionals. Try volunteering in community centres, befriending services, or helping neighbours to practise your skills. Many employers value these experiences as much as formal qualifications.
Most care worker roles do not require formal qualifications, but GCSEs in English and Maths can be helpful.
Some employers may require a Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, but often you can work towards this qualification while on the job. Apprenticeships in Adult Care Work are also available and provide structured training with paid employment.
Gain practical experience through volunteering or part-time work.
Contact local care homes, charities, or community groups to ask about volunteering opportunities. Even a few hours a week can give you valuable experience and help you decide if care work is right for you. Employers look for evidence of your commitment to helping others.
Look for care worker vacancies online or through local authorities and submit applications.
Websites such as NHS Jobs, local council job boards, and large care organisations like Mencap or Age UK frequently advertise care worker positions. Tailor your CV to highlight your skills, experience, and motivation for working in care. Prepare for interviews by thinking about how you would respond to situations involving vulnerable people.
Undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and participate in induction training.
All care workers must have a DBS check to ensure the safety of clients. Employers will also provide induction training covering topics like safeguarding, health and safety, and first aid. This training is essential for understanding your responsibilities and ensuring high standards of care.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Care Worker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A senior care worker shares similar responsibilities and qualifications with a care worker, including providing essential support and assistance to individuals in a care setting. The senior role typically involves greater experience and supervisory duties but remains within the same sector and skill set.
You can get into this job through:
You could do a college course, which may help you when applying for more senior care jobs.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do a Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, such as:
You might also train by doing a Lead Practitioner in Adult Care Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship.
These apprenticeships can take up to 2 years to complete and are a mix of workplace training and classroom study.
You'll usually need:
You could start as a care support worker or healthcare assistant and move into a senior role through further training and promotion.
You can get some of the skills and knowledge you need for this career by volunteering with an organisation that supports vulnerable people.
You can find volunteering opportunities through:
You can apply directly for senior care jobs if you have skills, experience and a qualification in social care or healthcare.
A caring personality is very important, as is a respectful attitude towards people who need care and support.
Time spent caring for someone you know also counts as having experience in a caring role.
You can find out more about careers in care from:
Explore other careers or use our AI to discover personalised paths based on your interests.
Address
Developing Experts Limited
Exchange Street Buildings
35-37 Exchange Street
Norwich
NR2 1DP
UK
Phone
01603 273515
Email
[email protected]
Copyright 2025 Developing Experts, All rights reserved.
Unlock expert-designed lessons, resources, and assessments tailored for educators. No credit card required.
Claim Your Free Trial →
