How often do we hear people refer to “I’m just a care worker” or “I’m just a care home nurse”. There is nothing “just” about anything in social care. Our profession has an incredible workforce full of talented, entrepreneurial people, with a “can do”, “let’s do” attitude. Its 1.7 million workforce is made up of hardworking skilled individuals, supported by creative leaders and inspiring mentors who give so much of themselves.
These individuals are not magical or mystical people. Many dedicate their own time to attending training, networking events, conferences, and study days, constantly striving to grow, improve, and provide the highest quality care for those they support.
During National Apprenticeship Week, we celebrate the diverse routes into a career in care, where opportunities to gain qualifications and training - from care certificate to degree - are accessible to all. These pathways not only enhance career prospects and progression but also inspire colleagues and those lacking self-confidence to believe in their own potential.
We celebrate the opportunities apprenticeships create for the lives they transform, and the message they send – that everyone has the potential to succeed and hold a valuable place in our dedicated and skilled workforce.
Care Certificate standards and Adult Care Worker Apprenticeships
The Care Certificate standards provide those at the beginning of their career in care with a fundamental basis from which, if chosen, someone can follow a pathway into other formal qualifications. These might include an apprenticeship, and further qualifications in a direct care role or registered nursing programmes across adult nursing, mental health or learning disability.
For those passionate about hands-on care and making a direct impact on people’s lives every day, the Adult Care Worker Apprenticeship is a great next step. It is a fantastic way to build essential skills while supporting individuals who draw on care and support to live safely and independently.
The myriad of pathways and levels of attainment available through apprenticeships can lead to a rewarding career in care. Roles might include direct care roles, management roles, registered practitioner in social work, therapy, nurse associate, or registered nurse. Developing clear career pathways for professional carers, with a portfolio of experience and qualifications, creates valuable opportunities for self –improvement, career progression, and promotion within the sector.
Social care is not just about those in caring roles, it’s about quality improvement, digital, management, catering, estate management to name a few. The diversity of opportunity is immense, and the satisfaction of working in a positive and collegiate way with colleagues from many disciplines can inspire not just a job but a fulfilling career.
For more information about apprenticeships and how it can benefit workforces and individual careers, visit the Skills for Care website.