What training do I need to become a carer?

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Learn how to become a care worker

Have you ever wondered what training you need to become a carer? You’re not alone. Caregiving is a rewarding but demanding profession, and having the right care training is essential to excel.

Whether you’re considering a career change or looking to start a career in care, understanding the training requirements is the first step.

This guide will explore the essential training and qualifications you need to become a proficient and compassionate carer.

What training do I need to be a carer?

With so many vulnerable people in society, from young children to disabled adults, carers play such an important role in many families around the UK.

Although being a carer is a lot of hard work and dedication it is immensely rewarding.

So, if you’re looking to become a carer, whether you’re leaving school or looking for a change, you’ll need training and hopefully, the article will help you make the right decisions before you set off on your exciting new journey.

Start Now – THE FULL CARE CERTIFICATE COURSE- ONLINE COURSE

Is a career in caring right for me?

With many different sectors within social care to choose from and the prospect of helping people of all ages and abilities, caring can sound very appealing.

However, the truth is that caring is not for everyone and before even considering training you need to ask yourself if caring is the right job for you.

If you’re not sure, the best option is to try voluntary work. There are plenty of websites to help you with this, such as the NCVO and Do-It websites.

Your local library could be worth visiting too. Aside from that, it gives you plenty of experience and a taste of what it’s like. Of course, you’ll have to be CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) checked first.

Training Opportunities for Social Care Work

Perhaps you’re absolutely certain that a career in caring is for you. Let’s take a look at the training you’ll need to become a carer. Having a working knowledge of the social welfare system is key but many social care jobs don’t require you to have a formal qualification in this subject.

Reading up on the topic is a good idea but in most cases, you’ll pick it up on the job.

Jobs will often give you the opportunity to undergo courses whilst you work allowing you to attend college or university on day release.

There are part-time foundation and induction courses available as well as none-exam-based National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) that cover subjects like Care and Management or Health and Social Care. Degrees are available for high-level qualifications too.

Care can be rewarding

The Care Certificate

Whilst formal qualifications are not essential, one thing that you are required to undertake is the Care Certificate. This is a set of standards that you must adhere to if you are to be a social care worker. These requirements are set out by Skills for Care and Health Education England. We offer an online Care Certificate training course which covers all 15 standards of the care certificate.

Click to Buy – The Care Certificate – Full Package

Certification

As mentioned before, formal qualifications are not essential in becoming a carer, however, they do help with job prospects and future progression.

They also help you to carry out your role more efficiently and provide higher quality care. Here at Caring for Care, we offer a wide range of care courses that help you meet CQC standards.

These include:

• Anaemia Awareness
• Autism Awareness
• Basic Life Support
• Breakaway Training
• Catheter Care Training
• Dementia Awareness
• Diabetes Awareness
• Dignity In Care
• Effective Communication
• Effective Record Keeping Training
• Epilepsy Awareness
• Epilepsy Medication Training
• Equality & Diversity Awareness
• Fire Safety Awareness
• Infection Control Level 1
• Learning Disability Awareness
• Managing Challenging Behaviour Training
• Nutrition & Hydration Awareness
• Pressure Sore Prevention Training
• Risk Assessment
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Children
• Safer Handling of Medication
• Safer People Moving & Handling 1 Day
• Safer People Moving & Handling 2 Day
• Safer People Moving & Handling Refresher
• Stroke Awareness

The best place to start if you want to move into a career in health and social care would be to complete The Care Certificate e-learning course.

This will give you a solid foundation of knowledge to begin a new carer.

Click to Buy – The Care Certificate – Full Package

Alternatively, we offer a huge range of courses for individuals to help you get started, both face to face and E-learning.

Why not check them out.

For Face to Face courses, held at our head office in Stoke on Trent – Click Here

For e-Learning courses, you can complete anywhere – Click Here

You can check out our post on the importance of e-learning in developing careers in Health and social care.

Carer Career Progression

So now you know what you need in terms of training, what are your prospects like? When you start out as a junior care worker, you’re likely to be on a salary of up £19,000. This can progress to £21,000 and even £25,000 if you progress to a specialist support worker.

Good luck in whatever area you choose and if you require more help then please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01782 563333 for a friendly chat.

Check out our post on how to prepare yourself for an interview.

Additionally, familiarize yourself with the seven (7) essential aspects to be aware of regarding the Care Certificate.

Care means being kind and helpful to keep someone or something safe, comfortable, and happy.

Other Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need a specific degree or certification to become a carer?

There are no mandatory qualifications on how to become a carergiver or carer, but training demonstrates capabilities. Many employers require a care certificate, NVQ or equivalent qualification.

2. Are there age restrictions for pursuing a career as a carer?

There are typically no age restrictions. However, those under 18 may face limitations around medication administration, insurance etc. Core values like maturity are key.

3. What are the essential skills and qualities needed to excel as a carer?

Essential skills include empathy, communication, patience, organization, teamwork. Caring nature and ability to remain calm under pressure also vital.

4. Is formal training required, or can I gain experience through on-the-job training?

Formal training is highly recommended to gain necessary skills. However some employers provide on-the-job training if new to the field.

5. What topics and subjects are typically covered in caregiving courses?

Typical subjects include health and safety, person-centered care, safeguarding, mental health, dementia, infection control, moving and handling.

6. Do I need to complete any specific courses or certifications to specialise in a particular type of caregiving, such as elderly care or pediatric care?

Specialist courses in areas like dementia, learning disability, or pediatric care are extremely valuable for focusing in those practice settings.

7. Are there any legal or regulatory requirements for caregiving training, and how can I ensure I meet them?

In the UK, the Care Certificate meets key legal and regulatory training requirements. Other local standards may apply.

8. How can I stay updated and continue my professional development once I’ve completed initial caregiving training?

Ongoing development through refresher training, seminars, mentorship, and self-study will help continually advance skills and knowledge.

References

A Career Change – http://www.acareerchange.co.uk/changing-career-becoming-carer.html

Reed – www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/how-to-become-a-care-worker/

NVCO – https://www.ncvo.org.uk/ncvo-volunteering

National Careers Service – Careers advice – job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service