How do I become a Care Worker?

Male care worker assisting elderly man with a walking frame

Becoming a Care Worker can be a rewarding and fulfilling career choice. At Proud to Care North Lincolnshire, we are here to guide you on your journey to a career in care.

Working in care isn’t all about qualifications, it’s about your values and attitude towards the people you support. If you are motivated by supporting people and helping people to thrive, a role in care may be perfect for you. Your transferable skills and real-life experience could help to make an incredible difference by supporting people who need your help and companionship.

What qualifications do you need?

All health and care workers need a few core skills, for example, English and basic number skills.

You need to be able to perform everyday tasks like communicating, counting medication, making notes and using a computer.

Team work and problem-solving skills are required.

Learning on the job

The Care Certificate shows the minimum standards that should be covered as part of induction training for people new to health and care. Your employer will also make sure you are kept up to date with the latest legislation and best practice relevant to your role.

To find out more about the Care Certificate, visit the Skills for Care website.

You may choose to do additional formal qualifications depending on your area of work or chosen career path. Your employer will often work with a training provider to ensure you are learning the right skills and working towards the right qualifications.

If you already have qualifications in health and social care and have some experience already, there are even more opportunities for you to progress in your career.

Training and qualification providers

In North Lincolnshire, we are extremely well provided for with our two main colleges offering health and social care courses and qualifications.

North Lindsey College

North Lindsey College offers a range of health and social care courses from entry to degree level, with full and part-time options.

They have excellent links with local employers, which allows students to get fantastic work experience and placement opportunities.

Visit the North Lindsey College website for full details.

John Leggott College

John Leggott College offers a range of vocational BTEC level courses in Health and Social Care and work placements form an important part of the syllabus.

For further details, visit the John Leggott College website.

Adult Community Learning

North Lincolnshire Council’s Adult Community Learning provision offer a wide range of day time and evening adult learning courses to improve your job prospects, develop new skills, build confidence, and improve functional English and Maths. Some courses lead to accredited qualifications such as GCSE’s, and the variety of courses on offer means there is something for everyone, so check out your local provision.

Ongo Recruitment and Proud to Care Recruitment Hub logo

Introduction to Care Course

If you’re considering a career in care, the free Introduction to Care course is the perfect opportunity to find out more and help you decide if working in care is for you.

Delivered over the course of seven days, the course equips learners with the skills necessary to secure a job in the care sector.

The training includes:

  • The Introduction to Care Act
  • Safeguarding awareness
  • Medication training
  • Dementia awareness

and more! The Introduction to Care course also provides learners with the chance to shadow experienced Care Workers to put what they’ve learnt into practice, building their own confidence in the process.

Interested in the course?

Please contact Ongo by calling 01724 844848 or email: recruitment@ongo.co.uk

Development Opportunities

Male care worker sat with elderly lady
Female care worker with elderly man
Female care worker helping patient out of bed

Once you’re working in care, there are lots of opportunities to develop your skills and progress your career.

There are a range of qualifications, including certificates or diplomas, offered by the two main colleges in North Lincolnshire – John Leggott College and North Lindsey College.

Apprenticeships, including for existing employees, are offered by these mainstream colleges and also by a number of other training providers who provide an alternative to college.

Apprenticeships in care

Apprenticeships are government funded work-based training programmes for anyone aged 16 and over – there’s no upper age limit. They can be for new or existing employees and are a great way to enter or progress a career.

They can enable people to combine studying, on-the-job training and practical experience. You get to work alongside experienced staff, gain job-specific qualifications and earn a wage for the time you work and study.

For more information about apprenticeships:

Useful Links

Details of other training providers can be found on the Skills for Care website, where you also find out more about developing your career in care.

To find out more about degree programmes visit the UCAS website.

For more information about education and learning support visit the Government website.