Young people aged 18-24 are being urged to apply for jobs in social care, one of the UK's fastest growing job sectors. This age group currently makes up less than 10% of the social care workforce so with more opportunities than ever before, there has never been a better time to consider social care as a career. An increase in average age and life expectancy means that there will be even greater need for adult care workers in the future.
There are many jobs within the sector, from working in residential homes or in people's houses, with older people or children. The role could also involve working with families, adults with disabilities or those who have social or family difficulties.
Lots of Job Opportunities
This month, Jobcentre Plus alone had over 20,000 social care jobs on its database.
Sue Veszpremi of Jobcentre Plus said: "The social care sector is a big recruiter and is set to continue growing due to our ageing population. Some people may have preconceived ideas about caring, but it can offer a great way in to the health industry and is bucking the economic downturn by taking on more staff. As a social care worker, you can make a real difference to people's lives, picking up great skills and experiences along the way."
Even those who are under 18 can work in some areas of social care in supervised posts. As the work involves helping people who are potentially vulnerable or physically frail, all applicants will need to undergo pre-employment checks, including a Criminal Records Bureau check to ensure they are of the right character to take on such responsibility. Those who would like to work with children under the age of 18 will be checked against the Protection of Children Act.
Most social care employers offer you formal training to do the job, in addition to other opportunities to acquire more skills and qualifications such as NVQs. Some people then choose to undertake professional training to become a care manager or a social worker. There is lots of opportunity for variety and to move around in different disciplines and specialise where you prefer.
From January 2010, young jobseekers can also get into the sector through Government initiatives like Care First Careers. The scheme, backed by the Department for Work and Pensions, offers employers £1,500 subsidies to recruit young people aged 18 to 24. Up to 50,000 job opportunities will be created giving young jobseekers the chance to pursue a permanent career in this sector.
Case Study: Laura - Personal Assistant Carer
One person who embarked on a career in social care and never looked back is Laura Taylor from Wigan. Laura started working as a carer in a residential home for older people when she was 18 years old. She now has two part-time Personal Assistant positions caring for physically disabled clients for who she organises walks, social outings, and assists with meals and hygiene. Laura's interest in social care began at the age of 15 when she volunteered to assist her Primary School classmate Joe undertake his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh award. Years later, Laura is now his personal carer.
"Joe should have the same opportunities as anyone else and I'm glad that I can take care of him so that he has someone of the same age that he can relate to. I get a real buzz looking after Joe. Just being able to see how happy he is, because I'm taking him outdoors. If I wasn't here, then Joe would often be cooped up inside."
