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Is social care for you?

Whether it's children, young people, older people or families, if you're interested in working with people, the social care industry could be for you.

It can sometimes be challenging but workers in this sector say the work is hugely rewarding because they can make a difference to people's lives.

Here are some positive comments from real people currently working within the social care industry.

Simon Rhead, Social Care Assistant

"I wanted a career working with people. Becoming a social care assistant was the best decision I ever made."

Elaine Major, Mental Health Support Worker

"I've always enjoyed helping people. My job is hard, but I wouldn't change it for the world."

Social care: the facts

People often have fixed ideas about different jobs. But it's always important to get the facts. Here are some common misconceptions answered by the real facts.

• "Isn't social care work very demanding and stressful?" - not true, sometimes it's challenging but workers in this sector say the work is hugely rewarding because they can make a real difference to people's lives
• "There's limited scope for promotion" - you can have a great career with opportunities to specialise in working with adults or children or in particular types of service
• "There aren't any opportunities to gain qualifications or undergo training" - employers put a huge emphasis on ensuring that their workers get the right training and support to do the job; your health and safety is a priority, certain qualifications can be a legal requirement as can professional registration
• "It's impossible to get a job in social care if you have a criminal record" - applicants for social care work may have to undergo a Criminal Records Bureau check in England and Wales or a Disclosure Scotland check in Scotland and declare all past convictions - but it's up to the employer - they'll take everything into account, and a criminal record doesn't automatically rule you out

Advantages of working in the social care industry

There are many advantages to working in social care including:

• excellent opportunities - a great career with opportunities to specialise in working with adults or children or in a particular type of service
• varied working conditions - visiting people in their homes or working in a residential care home or nursery
• good prospects - you can have a great career and employers put a huge emphasis on ensuring that their workers get the right training

Real-life examples

Bill Jordan, Residential Unit Manager

"Before becoming involved in social work as a career, I was a pipe welder. I decided to change career as I was interested in working directly with people and wanted new challenges and opportunities. I now earn about £27,000."

George Sim, Social Care Support Worker

"I chose to do support work because my sister is disabled and I realised that there was a real need for people to do this type of work. I'm paid £14,000."

Careers advice and job profiles

You can find more information about specific job roles within social care by using the careers advice and job profiles link below.

• Careers advice and job profiles Opens new window

Find a job in this sector

Find out more about training and careers in the social care industry by visiting the websites below.

• Caring careers Opens new window

• Care Council for Wales Opens new window

• Scottish Social Services Council Opens new window

• The Recruitment and Employment Confederation Opens new window

To search for jobs available in this sector, use the 'Start a jobs and skills search' link below. Or talk to a Jobcentre Plus adviser by calling 0845 606 0234.

They can also tell you what help and support is available to you to help you into work.

• Start a jobs and skills search Opens new window

• Jobcentre Plus - How to contact Opens new window

• Help and advice when applying for a job