What makes a great carer? It often isn’t a list of qualifications, but rather an attitude. 

Great carers are those who love to help, can greet problems with patience, and enjoy working hands-on. Sound like you? Then you might be just right for a career in care work.

What skills do you need to become a care worker?

Above all, the most important skill needed for care work is the desire to help. 

Compassion, patience, and a good sense of humour are also necessary skills. The right attitude is the best starting point for gaining experience and getting qualifications in care work. 

The variety of care work opportunities makes this an excellent career choice for people from all walks of life, whatever experience you’ve had so far professionally. 

Do you need an NVQ to work in care? 

The need for formal qualifications can hold many of us back from achieving the career we’ve dreamed of. But with care work, you can progress without spending years in a classroom. It’s ideal for those of us who prefer to work hands-on, in social settings, and with a noticeable impact.

An NVQ in Health and Social Care isn’t necessary to work in care, but it can help you advance your career. These courses are particularly useful if you want to work in Adult Social Care. An NVQ Level 2 or 3 can often be completed in about a year, and can be taken by those working full-time and part-time. 

You don’t need GCSEs, A-levels, or a degree for care work. Compassion is more important than school work.

What subjects do you need to take to become a nurse? 

Unlike care work, a nursing degree is necessary for a career as a nurse. But this isn’t the kind of degree that involves hours locked up in the library. Nursing degrees are hands-on, and you graduate qualified to enter the workforce.

Requirements differ depending on the university, but most courses expect 5 GCSEs including English, maths, and a science, and 2 A-levels or A-level equivalents. Preferred A-level subjects for nursing degrees are biology, chemistry, and social sciences.

Haven’t got a science A-level? There are still routes into a nursing degree. An Access nursing course and foundation level courses can be accepted in place of A-levels.

Do you get paid for shadowing in care work? 

When you get started in care work, you might want, or need, to shadow those with experience. Some shadowing work is paid, but it does depend on the organisation. 

There are many advantages to shadowing in care work, with the most obvious benefit being experience. You can learn schedules, see how to respond in pressure situations, and discover which areas of care work you might be best suited for.

Another advantage of shadowing is the opportunity to build relationships with experienced professionals, establishing your own reputation. Shadowing can help you find your first job!

How to get into care work

1. Ask yourself if it’s the right career for you. Personality is so important to care work, and those with the right attitude can find the work deeply rewarding. Are you helpful, compassionate, and patient? Then you might be right for care work.
2. Consider training. Qualifications aren’t necessary for care work, but they can help your career progress. Consider First Aid training, and applying for an NVQ. This can often be done alongside full or part-time work. 
3. Think about the role you want. Do you want to work freelance, for an agency, or in a full time placement? Are you interested in specialisation? At Kent Care Professionals, we can help you find the role that’s right for you.

Why work in a care home?

Whatever specialisation you might be interested in, there’s likely to be a care home that fits your skills. Working in a care home offers the ability to work closely with people, and to make an impact on their daily lives. Working in a care home provides you the ability to make people feel safe, cared for, comfortable, and noticed.

But a care home isn’t the only way to work in care. Supported living, rehabilitation centres, home care, and day centres are just a few more of the options available for care work.

Find a career with Kent Care Professionals 

Care work offers numerous career paths for individuals with the right attitude, no matter your experience or qualifications. Contact Kent Care Professionals to find out how to start your career in care work!