You could take a college course, which may help you when looking for work.

Courses include:

• care
• health and social care
• T Level in Health

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a care organisation or the NHS.

Apprenticeship options include:

• Adult Care Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

These can take between 1 and 2 years to complete and combine workplace training with study in the classroom.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

You can volunteer with an organisation that supports vulnerable people, like a care home, charity, hospital or hospice. This can help you when applying for paid work.

You can find volunteering opportunities through:

• Do It
• NHS England - Volunteering
• The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO)

You can apply for care worker jobs directly. If you get the role, you'll be given on-the-job training by your employer.

It's important to be kind, caring and have a respectful attitude towards people who need care and support.

Some employers might want you to have GCSEs in English and maths at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent. However, many will offer training to applicants who have the right personal qualities.

You'll need:

• sensitivity and understanding
• a desire to help people
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You'll need to:

• pass enhanced background checks

You might find it helpful to have a driving licence, for example, if your role involves travelling between clients to provide care at home.

A good level of fitness is useful, because you may need to help lift or move people as part of this job.

Daily tasks will differ depending on whether you work with a client in their own home or in a care setting.

You could:

• chat with clients and get to know their background, interests and needs
• help with washing, dressing and personal care
• make food, assist with eating and make sure medication is taken if needed
• support clients to take part in physical and social activities
• do routine checks of weight, temperature and blood pressure
• notify senior staff of any concerns over clients' health and wellbeing
• keep client records and care plans up to date

You could work at an adult care home, at a client's home or stay overnight at people's homes.

Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.

You may need to wear a uniform.