What’s it like working in Care?

Your role

Your role may involve supporting people in challenging situations and with varying needs. However, unlike working in hospitals and other health settings, you get to know and build relationships with the people you look after. With the range of services being provided and the opportunities for learning and development, no two days are the same.

For people new to the care sector, aspects of the job can be daunting – particularly helping with personal care. In reality, this is one very small part of delivering care and you will be given all the training required. Employers will usually put you with an experienced member of staff until you feel comfortable and able to complete tasks on your own.

Listen to our Podcasts on Spotify to hear about the different roles and career pathways from people currently working in the sector.

Our podcast

What would you say to anyone thinking about working in care?

What qualifications or experience do I need?

You don’t need previous experience to get started in social care – what matters most is that you have the values, beliefs and attitudes. You do need a few core skills, for example English and basic number skills, and you need to be able to do everyday tasks like communicating, counting medication, making notes and using a computer.

– there’s full training and support for everything else. There is also a lot of support available if you’ve been out of work for a while or are looking to move into social care from another sector.

There are a range of qualifications, including certificates, diplomas and apprenticeships, offered by the two main colleges in Cornwall – Cornwall College and Truro and Penwith College – that you may wish to consider before looking for your first job. However, this is not essential as all social care employers will provide training when you start work.