Hi Sheila

I am very interested in becoming a carer, I don’t have any previous experience. Will it be beneficial to me to do an online course before looking for work?

Answered by Sheila Scott

Dear Pamela,

Thank you for your question. There are few careers that are more satisfying or rewarding than a successful career in care.

I would advise you to seek a job and you will then be offered on the job training.

Adult Social Care has a qualification called the Care Certificate.

This is a qualification designed for care workers who are new to care work.

The training involved is given during the first six months of training and covers the following 15 areas:

• Understand your role
• Your personal development
• Duty of care
• Equality and diversity
• Work in a person centred way
• Communication
• Privacy and dignity
• Fluids and nutrition
• Awareness of mental health, dementia and learning disabilities
• Safeguarding adults
• Safeguarding children
• Basic life support
• Health and safety
• Handling information
• Infection prevention and control

You can read more about the qualification on the Skills for Care website:

https://www.skillsforcare.org.uk/Learning-development/inducting-staff/care-certificate/Care-Certificate.aspx

Skills for Care also says on their website: Although the Care Certificate is designed for new staff, it also offers opportunities for existing staff to refresh or improve their knowledge and skills.

I want to stress though that care workers only need to undertake the Care Certificate once.

With very good wishes for your career in care.

Best wishes.

Sheila