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 pastoral care worker provides emotional, social, and practical support to students or members of a community, helping them deal with personal or academic challenges. In schools, pastoral care workers assist with issues like bullying, mental health, family problems, attendance, and behaviour. They work closely with teachers, parents, and external agencies to ensure the wellbeing of those in their care. The role requires empathy, good listening skills, and the ability to maintain confidentiality. Pastoral care workers play a key part in creating a safe and supportive environment, often running workshops, one-to-one sessions, or group activities.
Pastoral care workers in the UK typically earn between £18,000 and £28,000 per year, depending on experience and location.
There are around 2,000 to 3,000 pastoral care worker positions in schools, colleges, and community organisations across the UK.
Most pastoral care workers work between 37 and 40 hours per week, usually during term time if based in a school.
Offers emotional support and guidance to pupils in schools, helping them manage personal and academic challenges.
Works with young people outside of school settings, providing advice, mentoring, and support with issues such as family, education, and wellbeing.
Supports pupils who may be struggling with social, emotional, or behavioural difficulties, helping them to achieve their potential in a school environment.
Obtain GCSEs in subjects such as English and Maths to build a strong educational foundation.
Having GCSEs, especially in English and Maths, is essential as they are often minimum requirements for further study and employment. Good communication and literacy skills will be helpful in this career.
Volunteer or work in roles that involve helping others, such as youth groups, mentoring, or community projects.
Practical experience with children, young people, or vulnerable groups is highly valued by employers. This could include volunteering with charities, helping at after-school clubs, or supporting local community initiatives.
Study for A levels, BTECs, or a Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care, Childcare, or a related field.
Relevant qualifications can improve your understanding of social and emotional needs and show commitment to your career. Some people also move directly into an apprenticeship in youth work or support roles.
Take a university degree or foundation degree in youth work, counselling, education, social work, or pastoral care if required by your chosen employer.
While not always essential, some employers prefer candidates with higher education or specialist pastoral care training. There are also short courses and certificates in pastoral care and mental health support.
Look for jobs in schools, colleges, or community organisations that offer pastoral care roles.
Check local authority job listings, school websites, and charity job boards. Tailor your CV to highlight relevant experience, skills, and qualifications in supporting others.
Continue to develop your skills through courses in safeguarding, mental health, counselling, or first aid.
Pastoral care is a field that benefits from continuous learning. Regular training ensures you stay updated with best practices and legal requirements. Employers often support ongoing professional development.
Explore relevant apprenticeships that can help you kickstart your career in Pastoral Care Worker. Apprenticeships offer hands-on experience and training while earning a wage.
A Pastoral Care Worker and a Care Worker both provide emotional support, guidance, and practical assistance to individuals in need. They typically work within community or care settings, focusing on the wellbeing of others, often without requiring highly specialised medical qualifications.
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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