When caring can be its own reward
BRITAIN’S ageing population has led to a demand countrywide for more care staff.
Dame Moira Gibb, chair of the adult care sector workforce development body Skills For Care, says: ‘By 2025, we estimate that another million workers will be needed to meet England’s growing social care demands.’
Career progression can be fast for committed individuals. Stephanie Weir, 22, is a senior care assistant at Rosewood Residential Care Home in Greenhithe, Kent.
She says: ‘Care is one of the most rewarding career paths there is. It’s just like having several grandmas and grandads in your life.
‘There’s nothing else I would want to do more than create a warm, friendly and enjoyable environment for patients with whom I have developed strong relationships. My job delivers a satisfying sense of achievement.’
Stephanie started a Level 2 Health and Social Care apprenticeship in 2011 with care training provider Connect2Care and completed the Level 3 advanced apprenticeship in two years.
‘I am now supporting the care home manager and working towards a Level 5 Leadership and Management Skills Higher Apprenticeship,’ she adds.
‘I have qualifications that give me a CV as strong as many people far older than me, without a student debt, and am in a more senior position than I would have imagined possible at my age.’
Carol Rumbold, manager at Rosewood, says: ‘ For candidates at entry level, qualities count for more than qualifications. ‘We look for empathy and passion to do the right thing by someone more vulnerable.
‘ I don’t expect young people to have lots of experience but they must show a willingness to listen, learn and work hard.’
Care roles include working in a residential home, in the community or supporting older people or those with disabilities or learning difficulties in their own homes.
Other jobs in the sector include care home administration, catering or maintenance.
Pay starts at the minimum wage but care manager salaries average £ 29,000, according to online employment agency