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About the social care industry

Whether it’s children, young people, older people or families, if you’re interested in working with people, the social care industry could be for you. It can sometimes be challenging but workers in this sector say the work is hugely rewarding because they can make a real difference to people's lives.

You will need some experience for most jobs, and voluntary work is a great way to start. Many roles offer flexible working.

Certain qualifications can be a legal requirement for working in the social care industry as can professional registration.

In Scotland some workers will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council.

Jobs in the social care industry

There are many job roles and many employers that offer social care services.

You could work in a nursery or a day care centre, or you could be a support worker giving advice to families on parenting. A social care worker helps disabled people. Maybe you would make a great home carer, helping someone with a health problem to live independently.

You could also train to be a social worker and support a range of people. This could include helping adults with mental health problems, children or young disabled people.

Advantages of working in the social care industry

There are many advantages to working in social care including:

• excellent opportunities - a great career with opportunities to specialise in working with adults, children or in a particular type of service
• varied working conditions - visiting people in their homes or working in a residential care home or nursery
• good prospects - you can have a great career and employers put a huge emphasis on ensuring their workers get the right training
  

Real-life examples

Bill Jordan, Residential Unit Manager

Before becoming involved in social work as a career, I was a pipe welder. I decided to change career as I was interested in working directly with people and wanted new challenges and opportunities.

George Sim, Social Care Support Worker

I chose to do support work because my sister is disabled and I realised that there was a real need for people to do this type of work.

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in the retail industry by visiting the websites below:

• Caring careers Opens new window

• Care Council for Wales Opens new window

• Social care careers Opens new window

• Scottish Social Services Council Opens new window

• The Recruitment and Employment Confederation Opens new window

More useful information

For more information on working in this sector and gaining the skills you need, talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

They can also tell you what help and support is available to you to help you into work.

• Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job