Training
You don’t need any previous qualifications to become a care and support worker – you will be supported in the workplace to develop your experience and skills. Employers provide essential training and they also offer support to gain recognised qualifications. The qualifications are work-based and recognised by all employers within health and social care.
It’s worth doing some research into the employers you may be interested in applying to and checking their website for details on training and development and to see if they have the vision and values you’re looking for. If they are regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) they will also have an inspection report and other information on their website.
Trainee Nurse Associates
The Trainee Nursing Associate is a highly trained support role to deliver effective, safe and responsive nursing care in and across a wide range of health and care settings. Nursing Associates work independently, and with others, under the leadership and direction of a Registered Nurse within defined parameters, to deliver care in line with an agreed plan. To find out more about Trainee Nurse Associates click here: Trainee Nurse Associates
Have you just completed your A-Levels? Are you considering training to be a Nursing Associate? Please click here to find out information on UCAS entry and the Apprenticeship Route.
https://wearenursingassociates.org.uk/
Training and qualifications
If you are new to health and social care, your employer will support you with an induction programme, which will help you gain the Care Certificate and a Level 2 qualification.
https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk
If you are more experienced or work in a specialist/senior role, you may want to do a Level 3 qualification.
Read more about moving on in your career.
If you already have a Level 3 qualification, there are still lots of opportunities to undertake specialist training or management options.
Read more about becoming a manager.
For those wanting to develop management skills, there are three pathways available on the Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care or Degree programme.
Read more about senior management and leadership roles.
With further training and development, care and support worker roles can lead to career development opportunities such as:
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Working in a specialist area, e.g. dementia, learning difficulties, physical or sensory impairment, end of life care
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Team leader or management roles
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Moving into support areas, for example as a trainer or advisor
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Regulated roles like social work, nursing or counselling.
Adult Community Learning resources in your local boroughs
Each borough offers a wide range of day time and evening adult learning courses to improve your job prospects, develop new skills and confidence, learn English, or build your confidence. Some courses lead to qualifications, some don't and the variety of courses on offer means there is something for everyone, so check out your local provision.