Jul 05, 2023 | News
Working in care is an incredibly rewarding profession, but that’s not the only reason it’s such a fulfilling career choice. It’s a diverse line of work, with many different areas, roles and types of responsibility. And this means it offers great opportunities for career progression and personal development.
Whether you’re already working in the care industry and looking for ways to progress, or you’re interested in joining the profession and wondering what your future prospects may be, it’s good to know how you can advance your career in care when the time is right.
Qualifications to progress your career
While no formal qualifications are required to begin working in care, there are plenty of options to gain training and recognition as you move up the ladder in the field.
Vocational training
Gaining a Level 2 or 3 qualification in Adult Care or Health and Social Care is a great place to start, and can be obtained via on-the-job training as well as online and college-based courses.
Health and Social Care opens opportunities to work with both adults and children while Adult Care can form the basis for a career working in areas such as dementia care and end-of-life care.
Specialised care training
To specialise in more advanced areas and levels of care, aim to achieve the Level 4 and 5 diploma qualifications, which are the equivalent to the first and second year of a bachelor’s degree respectively. It’s also possible to gain full degrees in Health and Social Care, as well as related areas of care, such as social work, occupational therapy or nursing.
Leadership and management
If management is a goal you’d like to work towards, aim for Level 6 and 7 diploma qualifications, which allow you to move into leadership roles within the industry. There are further high-level programmes available beyond this, too, such as the Professional Doctorate in Health and Social Care.
Tips for progressing your care career
Give yourself the best chance of progressing up the care ladder, wherever you are in your career right now.
1, Set yourself goals
Think about what you’d like to achieve within the care industry. Is there an area you’d like to specialise in, for example dementia care? Or would you like to become a manager one day?
Consider your strengths and what interests you the most in the world of care, and use this to set specific, measurable goals.
2, Make the most of networking
The contacts and people you know in the care industry now could hold the key to the direction your career moves in. Find opportunities to connect with other carers, especially those working in areas you’re particularly interested in. Ask questions, and try to learn as much as you can.
3, Seek feedback
Feedback is key to improving your skills, which in turn will help you progress your career in care. Ask for feedback on your work from care colleagues, managers and even clients, where appropriate. Take their comments on board and use them to identify areas you can develop and grow as a carer.
Progress your career as a carer with OxleyCare