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Care worker
Care assistant, support worker, nursing home assistant
Care workers help vulnerable people manage their daily activities and live as independently as possible.
Average salary (a year)
£19000
Starter
£25000
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
35.0 to 45.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a college course; an apprenticeship; volunteering; applying directly
College
A college course may help you when you look for work.
You could take a:Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care, Level 2 Diploma in Care, T Level in Health
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could become a care worker by doing an adult care worker intermediate apprenticeship or a lead adult care worker advanced apprenticeship.
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
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Volunteering
You could volunteer with an organisation that supports vulnerable people, such as a care home, charity, hospital or hospice.
Direct Application
You could apply directly and train on the job. You'll find it useful to have experience of working with people.
Some employers may expect you to have GCSEs in English and maths at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) or equivalent.
More Information
Career Tips
Time spent caring for someone you know also counts as having experience in a caring role.
Further Information
You can find out more about careers in care from:Think Care Careers, Department of Health and Social Care
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
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
    Customer service skills
    Excellent verbal communication skills
Digital Skills Level
to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
Other Requirements
You might find it helpful to have a driving licence as you might work shifts at times when you cannot get public transport.
It might help to be physically fit because you may need to help lift or move people.
Related Restrictions
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
Your daily tasks will depend on the needs of the person you're caring for.
If you're helping someone who needs support to live at home on their own, you'll
help with washing and dressing, make food or help with eating, get to know their interests and needs, do household jobs, like washing clothes and shopping, monitor their weight and record any concerns they have, check they're taking their prescribed medications, support their physical and mental wellbeing through activities
Working environment
You could work at an adult care home, at a client's home or stay overnight at people's homes.
You may need to wear a uniform.
Your working environment may be physically and emotionally demanding.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
While employed as a care worker you can develop your skills by training in specific areas, like autism awareness, communication skills or supporting people with dementia.
With experience, you can become a lead care worker. You can also move into more senior jobs, like managing people or services, if you get further qualifications.
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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