You could take a college course, which may help you when looking for work.
Courses include:
- care
- health and social care
- T Level in Health
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
A support worker helps vulnerable people live more independent and fulfilling lives. You might work with adults with learning disabilities, mental health problems, the elderly, or those with physical disabilities. Your duties can include helping people with daily tasks such as washing, dressing, eating, or getting involved in community activities. Support workers also provide emotional support, help with medication, and sometimes assist with household tasks. This role is rewarding for those who enjoy working closely with people and making a positive difference in their lives. Good communication skills, patience, and empathy are important qualities for a support worker. Many positions offer on-the-job training, and you may also complete qualifications such as the Care Certificate.
Support workers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £25,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are over 100,000 support worker positions currently available across the UK, with demand expected to increase due to an ageing population and greater awareness of mental health needs.
Support workers often work shifts, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays, with full-time positions averaging 37 to 40 hours per week.
Works specifically with individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, offering emotional and practical support to help them live independently.
Assists people with learning disabilities in their daily lives, helping them to develop skills, gain confidence, and participate in the community.
Supports individuals who are recovering from drug or alcohol addiction, providing guidance and practical help during their recovery process.
Find out what a Support Worker does, the people they help, and the environments they work in.
You can learn about the role by visiting websites such as the National Careers Service, watching videos, or speaking to people currently working in support roles. This will help you understand the responsibilities, challenges, and rewards of being a Support Worker.
Think about whether you have the right qualities, such as patience, empathy, and good communication skills.
Support Workers need to be reliable, trustworthy, and able to work well with vulnerable individuals. Reflect on your own traits and consider examples from your life that show you have these qualities.
Most employers require GCSEs in English and Maths, or equivalent qualifications, for a Support Worker role.
You do not always need advanced qualifications, but having good basic education will help. If you do not have GCSEs, consider taking functional skills courses or equivalent qualifications.
Undertake training such as the Care Certificate, which covers essential skills for working in adult social care.
The Care Certificate is often provided by employers and is a nationally recognised qualification. It covers topics like safeguarding, communication, and health and safety. You can also take short courses in first aid, manual handling, or mental health awareness.
Gain experience by volunteering or working in a care setting, such as a care home or community centre.
Practical experience will help you develop confidence and skills. Look for voluntary opportunities with charities, local authorities, or supported living services. Even part-time or weekend work can give you valuable insight into the role.
Create a CV that highlights your relevant skills, experience, and training for support work.
Emphasise your communication skills, any care-related experience, and your commitment to supporting others. Use clear examples of how you have helped people or worked as part of a team.
Look for Support Worker vacancies with local authorities, care agencies, or charities and submit your applications.
Job search websites, local council websites, and specialist care job boards often list Support Worker roles. Tailor your application to each job, showing you understand the specific needs of their clients.
Prepare for interviews and be ready for checks such as the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Employers in the social care sector are legally required to check your background to ensure the safety of vulnerable people. Be honest and professional in interviews, and explain why you are passionate about support work.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Support Worker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Support Worker and a Care Worker both provide assistance and support to individuals who may need help due to health, disability, or age-related reasons. Both roles involve ensuring the well-being and comfort of the people they support, often within community or residential settings, with similar qualifications and training requirements.
You can get into this job through:
You could take a college course, which may help you when looking for work.
Courses include:
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a care organisation or the NHS.
Apprenticeship options include:
These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine workplace training with study in the classroom.
There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:
You can volunteer with an organisation that supports vulnerable people, like a care home, charity, hospital or hospice. This can help you when applying for paid work.
You can find volunteering opportunities through:
You can apply for care worker jobs directly. If you get the role, you'll be given on-the-job training by your employer.
It's important to be kind, caring and have a respectful attitude towards people who need care and support.
Some employers might want you to have GCSEs in English and maths at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. However, many will offer training to applicants who have the right personal qualities.
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.
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