No two career paths in health & social care are the same but there’s training available for whatever stage you’re at - whether you’re still at school, a school-leaver, want to change career or you’re already working in the industry and want to continue your professional development.
Depending on what role you’re interested in the level of qualification required will vary. For example if you want to work in Home Support you’ll need an SVQ at SCQF Level 6 in Health and Social Care or if you want to work in residential care you’ll need an SVQ in Health and Social Care at SCQF Level 7. An HNC in Health & Social Care or Social Services would also allow you to apply for these posts.
There are a wide range of social care courses at all levels at New College Lanarkshire
It may also be possible to gain SVQ qualifications through a Modern Apprenticeship or whilst you’re in employment.
Three Universities based in the West of Scotland offer the BA Social Work degree, as well as a post-graduate masters degree to get the qualifications you’ll need to become a social worker:
As part of your higher social work qualification you will be required to complete two work placements. North Lanarkshire offers an excellent range of placements across the various services within the authority (such as North Lanarkshire Council).
It’s possible to gain social work qualifications whilst in full or part-time work through the Open University. Many of their courses can be completed even if you’re in a job unrelated to health and social care, however there are 2 placements (of 80-100 days each) which need to be completed and carried out in a social work setting. For further information on Open University: Professional Programme in Social Work
There are a wide range of healthcare courses at all levels at New College Lanarkshire
Three Universities based in the West of Scotland offer degree and post graduate programmes in Healthcare and Medicine:
It’s possible to gain healthcare qualifications whilst in full or part-time work through the Open University. Many of their courses can be completed even if you’re in a job unrelated to healthcare and looking to move into the sector or to progress your career. Further information on Open University Healthcare courses from certificates thorough to degrees: Professional Programme in Social Work
The Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare is for senior phase pupils and is delivered over S5 and S6. It aims to give pupils in S5 and S6 the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge to work towards an SVQ level 6 and to enter a career in adult social services. It will also help pupils to gain the core units of the MA at Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) level 6 in Social Services and Healthcare, leaving them with fewer units to complete if they choose to start the Modern Apprenticeship programme.
A career within social services and healthcare would appeal to those who have a passion to help others. Examples of working within this sector would be working with vulnerable adults, elderly, people with physical or learning disabilities. This will prove invaluable service to help these people live a fulfilled life. There are many different career pathways you can take to progress within this field.
• Working towards 2 national 5's
Speak to careers staff at your school if you’re interested in the Foundation Apprenticeship in Social Services and Healthcare.
Volunteering is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your employability skills and employment prospects. Being able to share with potential employers that you have volunteered – especially in the care sector – demonstrates that you have the specific and specialist qualities required to work with people in a care setting. As well as demonstrating your qualities and motivation, there is often training attached to a volunteer placement which will increase your skillset and enhance your CV. Perhaps more importantly however, Volunteering improves the wellbeing of volunteers giving a sense of a purpose and feeling of inclusion. It will allow you to contribute to helping others and to developing communities in a way which makes everyone involved feel valued and respected and better linked and involved with their wider communities.
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