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This week we continue to highlight resources, guidance and sources of support in response to feedback that you've been sharing with us about what you need.

Latest news

Can I run something past you?

The latest episode of our podcast series 'The care exchange' is now available.
We're joined by Joseph Hughes from City Care Partnership. Joseph is the manager of two outstanding rated services that support people with learning disabilities.
He talks about the importance of managers not thinking they have to be the best at everything and not being afraid to ask for help.
Joseph also discusses the value of their 'What's Up' group and how he wants his staff to come to work and feel valued, comfortable, well trained and with funded walking boots!
You can listen on our website or download it where you get your podcasts.

Guidance from the Government and
key stakeholders

COVID-19: Arrangements for visiting out of the care home

Following the latest easing of lockdown restrictions, care home residents may now leave their care home to spend time outdoors (avoiding crowded spaces) and take part in outdoor exercise not involving close contact with others. Residents will also be able to go to medical appointments (excluding overnight stays in hospital), a workplace, educational setting, and day centres without having to self-isolate on their return.
⇨ Read the guidance here

COVID-19 guidance for visiting arrangements in care homes

This updated guidance reflects that care home residents are now able to have more named visitors and information on testing and PPE for those visitors.
⇨ Read the guidance here

COVID-19: guidance on shielding and protecting people defined on medical grounds as extremely vulnerable: updated with information on meeting friends and family inside and outside the home and the new COVID-19 variant.
⇨ Read the updated guidance here

COVID-19: how to work safely in care homes: updated to clarify when to change face masks, the difference between source control and PPE and an updated section on waste including PPE.
⇨ Read the updated guidance here

COVID-19 testing for adult social care settings: updated to reflect several changes including the reduction in the time required to determine the end of an outbreak in care homes and that extra care and supported living testing now includes visitors.
⇨ Read the updated guidance here

COVID-19 testing in adult care homes: updated to reflect changes to end of outbreak testing and updated instructions on using the multiple upload spreadsheet, which can now be used to report both rapid lateral flow tests and PCR tests.
⇨ Read the updated guidance here

Support for registered managers

Take a look at our web pages which provide dedicated support and information we recommend for all registered managers and frontline managers during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

New registered manager webinar: Managing complaints - practical tips in effectively responding to feedback

Tuesday 22 June 2021, 11:00 - 11:30
This webinar, in partnership with the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman, will look at how to manage complaints and feedback effectively, with practical tips and resources. We will explore the relationship between the CQC and the Ombudsman, why effective complaints handling is important and how learning from complaints can be used to drive service improvements. We will be sharing lots of useful ideas and questions from other managers from a variety of services.
⇨ Register for your place now

New registered manager webinar: Medicines from the regulatory perspective

Wednesday 7 July 2021, 11:00 - 11:30
This webinar, in partnership with CQC, will explore the regulations and best practice around managing medicines in care homes and domiciliary care settings. People accessing care services often require support with their medication and organisations have a responsibility to ensure proper and safe use of medicines and require that staff responsible for the management and administration of medication are suitably trained and competent.
You will have an opportunity to help shape the content of the webinar at the point of registration, including topics such as care planning, delegation, controlled drugs, vitamin D and the management of oxygen in care homes.
⇨ Register for your place now

Exclusive access to masterclasses for our registered manager members

Registered manager members of Skills for Care have exclusive access to masterclasses led by team-based working specialists Affina OD. The two practical and insightful masterclasses focus on leading with care and compassion and look at team-based working and creating team cultures of trust and care.
The recorded masterclasses are available to our registered manager members for a limited time. Members can access them by logging onto the membership portal and heading for the 'Resources' section within the registered manager dashboard.
Not already a member? Find out more about the benefits of becoming a member yourself or for the managers in your organisation by visiting our website.

Other Skills for Care resources and support

Opening a care organisation
We have recently updated our webpage on setting up a new care organisation and our recommendations for CQC providers.
Skills for Care can help you with various aspects of setting up a new care organisation, including recruitment, induction and development, supporting your staff, and meeting national quality standards.
Read more on our 'Opening a care organisation' webpage or download the 'Recommendations for CQC providers' document.

The Hubble Project: helping care providers on their
tech-enabled care journey

The use of technology to support care has increased rapidly during the coronavirus pandemic. The Hubble Project enables care providers to learn from others who have introduced tech into their service. A series of films, information packs, templates and guides include senior leaders, managers, care staff and family carers sharing their experiences of planning, implementing and using technology.
⇨ Visit Digital social care

Supporting people with everyday technology

Accessibility workshop - Thursday 10 June 2021, 11:00 - 12:00
Leading and co-producing - Thursday 24 June 2021, 11:00 - 12:00
We're running a series of workshop webinars to explore how social care staff can support autistic people and people with a learning disability to make choices about using technology to stay connected and contribute to their communities when social distancing restrictions are in place. Visit the website to view the introductory videos to each workshop topic.
⇨ Book onto the workshops

Blogs

How registered managers can support and encourage learning at work
Last week was Learning at Work Week, a time for celebrating lifelong learning and encouraging a culture of learning in all workplaces. We rounded up some tips and ideas to help registered managers to support and encourage ongoing learning and development among their team.
⇨ Read the blog

Get involved

Cost of recruitment user research

Skills for Care has commissioned Lagom Strategy Ltd to research the needs of adult social care employers when calculating the cost of recruitment activities.
If you work in social care and are involved in recruitment activities (for example: capacity planning, recruitment budgets, advertising vacancies, pre-employment checks, working with recruitment agencies) we'd like to hear your views.
To be involved, please register your interest by completing this short online form where you can select how you'd like to contribute. Researchers will then be in touch about next steps

Reminder

Funding to support functional skills for all care workers
Health Education England (HEE) recently announced that funding for software to support functional skills has now been extended to all social care providers. The software can help people to improve their own skills in maths (numeracy), English (literacy) and IT (digital skills). It can be used to study towards a functional skills exam (e.g. for enrolling onto an apprenticeship), to generally improve competence and confidence, and for job satisfaction and retention.
⇨ Find out more

If you've been forwarded this email by a friend or colleague and would like to receive it directly to your inbox you can register to receive updates by creating an account on the Skills for Care website, and selecting the enews subscription preference.

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This week we continue to highlight resources, guidance and sources of support in response to feedback that you've been sharing with us about what you need. Latest news Can I run something past you? The latest episode of our podcast series 'The care exchange' is now available.

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Apprenticeships Home - Learn and develop skills while you work

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Opportunities in the health and social care sector is a skills sector report which aims to inform young people about the career opportunities in health and social care that exist in the region, and the skills that are required.

This report appeared in Archant's Business East Monthly as part of a series of reports the magazine has been conducting in partnership with Suffolk County Council.

We have been able to reproduce the report with kind permission from Archant and Suffolk County Council.
Click here to download a pdf.

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Care Careers Suffolk Information Gateway to Health and Social Care Careers

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Opportunities in the health and social care sector is a skills sector report which aims to inform young people about the career opportunities in health and social care that exist in the region, and the skills that are required.

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We have put together some information about the types of job roles you will come across when starting out on your care career journey.

You can also click on our video links and hear people talking about their jobs in care. Click here to download a PDF on job roles. Or watch this video about working in the care sector by Norfolk & Suffolk Care Support.

In addition to social care, there are numerous healthcare NHS careers and social work roles.

Perhaps you will find a role to inspire you? We hope the job profiles will give you a good idea of what's available, and what could work for you.
The care career tree

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Care Careers Suffolk Information Gateway to Health and Social Care Careers

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We have put together some information about the types of job roles you will come across when starting out on your care career journey. You can also click on our video links and hear people talking about their jobs in care. Click here to download a PDF on job roles.

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Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education

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Thank you for your interest in the Occupational Maps. We have built a flexible tool that allows you to print or save as a PDF one Map at a time.

1) Open a map in the page layout tool

Access the page layout tool by clicking the printer icon or the page layout tool button.

2) Add or remove page breaks to fit the clusters on pages

To control the flow of clusters, click on the green '+' button to start a new page. To remove a page break, use the 'X' button. There is an option to add page break for Pathways automatically.

3) Preview the layout to match to a printer or Save as PDF

In the browser Print Preview window, check the destination options to select a printer or Save as PDF. Paper size can be adjusted as preferred even for digital output.

It is advised to deselect the headers & footers visibility on the Map (this option is located under "more settings" in the print preview), but to keep the background graphics selected.

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Thank you for your interest in the Occupational Maps. We have built a flexible tool that allows you to print or save as a PDF one Map at a time. 1) Open a map in the page layout tool Access the page layout tool by clicking the printer icon or the page layout tool button.

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Care Careers Suffolk Information Gateway to Health and Social Care Careers

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Care Careers Suffolk are an information gateway to careers in health and social care. We have information on job roles, apprenticeships and information for employers.

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How job roles are changing in the automotive sector

Wednesday 9 March, 9.35am

IMI

IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) will speak about how traditional job roles are changing in the automotive sector, what the emerging job opportunities are and how to access those jobs.
Speakers include Johanna Hollingdale, Careers and Student Membership Manager and Robert Pallant Bright. Robert won Gold in Automotive Technology at the 2019 WorldSkills UK national finals and now works at Ford. He will speak about how to keep your skills up to date with new trends.

Recharging careers in automotive

Wednesday 9 March. 9.50am

Electude

Automotive is an ever-changing industry and is at the forefront of creating a green future. In this session we will discuss where young people can fit in, what careers you can expect and where they could take you. Join Cat Treanor as she discusses all things automotive, challenges stereotypes and takes you through her journey from ready, set... GO!

Q&A included at the end of the session.

Embedding sustainability into education across different sectors

Wednesday 9 March, 10.15am

NCFE

David Jones, Vertical and Horizontal Manager at NCFE, and Janet King, Sector Manager for Education and Childcare at NCFE, will join WorldSkills UK hosts in a live Q&A focused on embedding sustainability into education across different sectors.

David and Janet will identify how roles that focus on sustainability are changing and how green skills are being embedded across multiple occupations and sectors. They'll also explore the different educational routes into 'green careers' through NCFE's sustainability qualifications. Following this, they'll look at how this applies to working in early years, looking at the skills and techniques young people would apply if they chose to work in this sector and still follow a 'green' career path.

Breaking down barriers, the key to a sustainable future

Wednesday 9 March, 1.30pm

Elementa

This interactive session will highlight how diversity is key to a thriving workforce. It will discuss breaking down barriers and pre-conceptions to ensure that you are able to navigate multiple routes to a job working in the green industry.

You will hear from two speakers that have taken very different educational routes, their challenges and inspirations along the way and how to navigate the different educational routes to the future you deserve.

Creating new learning environments to support all students

Thursday 10 March, 1.30pm

University of the West of England
Education & Training Foundation (ETF)

Creating new learning environments to support all students. Professor Lisa Brodie is a pioneer in changing how we create learning environments to support all students, features how Minecraft has been used to teach principles of sustainability.

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Spotlight on Green Jobs - WorldSkills UK

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Wednesday 9 March, 9.35am IMI (Institute of the Motor Industry) will speak about how traditional job roles are changing in the automotive sector, what the emerging job opportunities are and how to access those jobs. Speakers include Johanna Hollingdale, Careers and Student Membership Manager and Robert Pallant Bright.

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All students will develop a general understanding of health and science:

working within the health and science sector

health, safety and environmental regulations

managing information and data

principles of good scientific and clinical practice

core science concepts including the structure of cells, tissues and large molecules, genetics, microbiology and immunology

They will also learn about topics specific to health, including:

understanding the healthcare sector

providing person-centred care

supporting health and wellbeing

further knowledge of both human anatomy and physiology and of diseases and disorders

infection prevention and control

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All students will develop a general understanding of health and science: working within the health and science sector health, safety and environmental regulations managing information and data principles of good scientific and clinical practice core science concepts including the structure of cells, tissues and large molecules, genetics, microbiology and immunology They will also learn about topics specific to health, including: understanding the healthcare sector providing person-centred care supporting health and wellbeing further knowledge of both human anatomy and physiology and of diseases and disorders infection prevention and control

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The Suffolk Carers Matter Carers Card is one small card to fit in your purse or wallet. No more need to carry multiple paper documents as proof you are a carer!

The card verifies you are an unpaid carer, looking after a family member or friend who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem or an addiction, cannot cope without their support.

At this difficult time as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic, the card will help you to:

demonstrate your need to use vulnerable shopping slots at supermarkets and shops to obtain essential supplies for the person you are caring for

demonstrate your need to travel to provide care to the person you support or to collect vital medication or shopping and deliver to this vulnerable person

Simply present the card to a supermarket, other retailer or a police officer if required.

Register Here For Your Carer

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The Suffolk Carers Matter Carers Card is one small card to fit in your purse or wallet. No more need to carry multiple paper documents as proof you are a carer! The card verifies you are an unpaid carer, looking after a family member or friend who due to illness, disability, a mental health problem...

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Job interview masterclass: How to get the job you want (Free Webinar)

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Are interviews your enemy? Not sure how to prepare for the big day? We talk to two interview experts as they deliver a masterclass on how to prepare and conduct yourself in an interview.

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Could it be his unnatural clutch ability to hit the big shot? Or the fact that he was as good at defending as he was at attacking the basket? Maybe it was his legendary stamina and resilience, repeatedly playing through sickness and injury to produce great results?

Nope, none of that. "My greatest skill was that I was coachable," Jordan said. "I was a sponge and aggressive to learn."

Jordan has lots of support in that self-assessment. Legendary NBA coach Phil Jackson, who guided the careers of both Jordan and the late Kobe Bryant, agreed that there was "something coachable about Michael that Kobe didn't have." If Jackson had to remove Jordan because he was having a bad game, he would instantly start working on solutions.

"(Jordan) knew what he'd done. He had a conscience."

Jordan's career and his desire to be coached are not just examples for aspiring basketball players. By now, most in the business world know that "coachable" employees are in great demand. Coachable implies openness, dedication and the ability to adapt.

But it's not only that. Coachability has become a more important consideration in hiring and leadership development now that coaching is becoming widely available outside the confines of the C-Suite/executive ranks.

For organizations that want to recruit for coachability, there are a wealth of resources on how to spot it and build it into your organizational culture. And most come from the world of sports.

How to identify "coachable" and "uncoachable" people

Bill Beswick, a psychologist and author who has worked with some of the English Premier League's most successful teams, believes being coachable you can sport a coachable person in the moment "immediately after a coach intervenes with advice, instruction or criticism."

Beswick advises soccer coaches to take notice if a player responds with arrogance (I don't need help), indifference (who cares?), anger (who are you to tell me?), subversion (seeks out others to undermine coach's message) or low self-esteem (that translates the coaching advice into criticism).

Those observations are closely mirrored by academics and coaches in the business world. Legendary leadership guru and author Marshall Goldsmith identified four tell-tale signs of what he called "the uncoachables."

They include people who are denial: even in the face of objective evidence, they cannot accept that they have a problem or have done anything wrong. In fact, Goldsmith argued that employees who "think everyone else is the problem" are completely uncoachable. "It's impossible - too impossible - to fix people who think someone else is the problem," he wrote.

Still, these examples don't do much to identify the primary characteristics of a coachable person.

Top qualities of the truly coachable

As is the case with many "top X" lists, you'll find a variety of interpretations and descriptions of the principal qualities of coachable athletes and employees. But there are several points on which just about everyone agrees.

Openness and Willingness

Just about anyone and everyone in this space believes that coachability begins with a foundational willingness to learn and improve. Now, that's a very easy thing for someone to fake, but most experts in this area maintain that the reaction an employee has to being assigned or offered coaching or advice is a good measurement of true willingness. Employees need to view coaching "as a positive signal" that the organization wants to invest in them, not a sign they doubt the employee's value.

Commitment and Desire

Although this may seem to be so obvious it hardly needs mentioning, a deep and driven desire to learn and be better is foundational to a coachable mindset. Executive Coach Alan Fine, who started his coaching career in high-level tennis before moving to the C-Suite, suggests that this desire to learn, and a commitment to personal and organizational success is a bedrock for coachability.

Smart and Passionate

The aforementioned Bill Beswick has studied some of the most successful coaches in professional sports and finds that some, like the legendary New England Patriot's Coach Bill Belichick recruit players who are as smart as they are talented. The talent helps them do a remarkable thing, but the smarts mean they understand the value of coaching. "Belichick's staff relentlessly squeezes maximum performance from players whose 'excellence is defined by their heads and hearts as much as their arms and legs."

With coaching being provided at scale to more organizations, and more levels of an organization, it certainly makes sense for employers to borrow heavily from the coaching world and recruit employees who able and willing to accept the guidance of a coach.

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Being Coachable, And Encouraging Coachability in Employees | Ezra

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Could it be his unnatural clutch ability to hit the big shot? Or the fact that he was as good at defending as he was at attacking the basket? Maybe it was his legendary stamina and resilience, repeatedly playing through sickness and injury to produce great results? Nope, none of that.

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Need help navigating your career? Whether you're job searching or developing skills for growth within your current role, TopCV has the best career advice for you. Our Career Advice section is full of helpful tips to help move your career forward today!

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Employers see hundreds of CVs on a day-to-day basis, so making yours stand out for the right reasons is vital. They might only have the chance to scan it for a few seconds, so it's important to grab their attention right away.

Knowing what's relevant, what to disregard and exactly how to write a CV can be tricky. But with our free CV builder, making your own is easy. Our online tool can even connect to your Facebook and Twitter accounts to supercharge your CV with the skills and interests that make you unique. But don't forget to ask yourself whether everything it finds is relevant or appropriate for a CV, and remember to think about what potential employers might find in your social profiles and the impression it gives about you. Don't want to connect? No problem, simply use the CV builder to write one from scratch. Simply input important information that will make your CV stand out, such as your personal statement, key skills and achievements and your qualifications and past work and voluntary experience and then download your readymade CV for free. It really couldn't be simpler to create a unique and powerful CV.

If you've used the tool before, you'll pick up right from where you left off last time.

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How to write a CV - LifeSkills CV Builder

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Employers see hundreds of CVs on a day-to-day basis, so making yours stand out for the right reasons is vital. They might only have the chance to scan it for a few seconds, so it's important to grab their attention right away. Knowing what's relevant, what to disregard and exactly how to write a CV can be tricky.

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Scan the QR Code to find out more

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qrcode_www.qualhub.co.uk (1) Progression Routes L3 HSC

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Join Foxdog Studios as they create a massively-multi online game in one day. Covering multiple skills including programming, robotics, audio, graphics, and performance. You'll see everything they've learned put to the test as they go from initial game design to publishing in 24 hours.

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Join Foxdog Studios as they create a massively-multi online game in one day. Covering multiple skills including programming, robotics, audio, graphics, and performance. You'll see everything they've learned put to the test as they go from initial game design to publishing in 24 hours.

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Careers Advice For Young People | WorldSkills UK

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We inspire young people with careers advice resources informing their career direction and giving them access to high-achieving role models.

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Why US?

University Studies is about people and we have a simple mission: to help you find, follow, and fulfil your aspirations.

We're delighted that you're considering joining our supportive academic community here as part of University Studies at West Suffolk College.

What I hope you find reflected in these pages is not only our range of subjects and specialisms, not merely a set of courses and pathways, but a commitment to supporting learners of all kinds to find their feet, their talent, their place.

Whatever your age, your background or commitments, whether you're a college leaver or a caregiver, a late bloomer or a career changer, we want you to be able to access excellent academic expertise in the context of outstanding care and support. We're proud to focus on students and their differences.

That's why we work with the University of East Anglia, one of the UK's leading Universities, to deliver your degrees; that's why we try to keep our fees lower than some other providers, and why we work to ensure you get support in your learning. We don't believe in sink-or-swim approaches to higher-level study. You're not alone, and we endeavour to ensure that you know that throughout your studies.

So if you have more to give, more to say, more to do, we hope to see you soon and to be welcoming you to University Studies in the new academic year.
Warmest wishes,

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University Studies at West Suffolk College - USWSC

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University Studies is about people and we have a simple mission: to help you find, follow, and fulfil your aspirations. We're delighted that you're considering joining our supportive academic community here as part of University Studies at West Suffolk College.

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Imagine going into an interview. You're thinking about how you look, what you'll say and so much more. But often the first impression you've made will have been when your prospective employer looked you up on social media.

Employers know you mean business if they see you showcasing your talents and interests and voicing your opinions on relevant trends and topics. They could, however, also get the wrong idea if they spot a tweet or image post that was only meant for friends. Check out the following guide to help get your profile employer-ready.

No more cringey email addresses
Remember your first email address? Or do you choose not to remember it due to the embarrassment it caused you? LifeSkills users recall their past cringe-worthy email addresses and talk about how important they can be to make the right first impression.

Show them your very best
Posting about your passions, projects and achievements lets employers know that you are ambitious, productive and talented outside of work. Even things you might consider normal could contribute towards making a great impression. So what are the kinds of things employers look for when they check out your social media profile?

Celebrate your achievements
There is no reason to shy away from your successes - after all, it's your page. By all means show how happy you are to get involved in volunteering, complete a project, play in a sporting team or even win an award. The pride you have in your hobbies and interests tells employers that you're not all about work.

Keep it professional
Think before you post. Don't publish a status or leave tagged photos of yourself online that could paint a less than desirable picture. Consider who's going to see it and how it might come across, thus avoiding employers potentially getting the wrong impression. Check out the professionals' top tips for impressing recruiters online.

... but not too professional
Worried about recruiters seeing what you're like in your spare time? Don't be too concerned, your recruiter does exactly the same thing (well, once in a while). Funny gifs and holiday snaps with your mates show a healthy work-life balance, just try to make sure that sort of content is not all that's in your feed, and that the pictures and jokes don't get too risqué. Changing your settings to restrict what certain people see on your profile can also spare potential embarrassment. There are, however, a number of things employers excuse in social media profiles, as this video shows:

Social media is a great way to stay connected with friends, family and stuff you like, but with some tweaks and a slightly different focus it can also be a powerful tool for attracting potential employers. Take a look at the modules below to get more useful info on creating a positive online presence.

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Social Media and Employment | Social Media Screening | LifeSkills

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Imagine going into an interview. You're thinking about how you look, what you'll say and so much more. But often the first impression you've made will have been when your prospective employer looked you up on social media. Employers know you mean business if they see you showcasing your talents and interests and voicing your opinions on relevant trends and topics.

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Getting your CV right is easily the most important part of the job application. But you're not going to get past a recruiter or a tricky HR manager if you pull one of the most common CV mistakes. Here are five to avoid....

1. Always, always tailor your CV to the role. Many job applications go through software before they make it to a human, being scanned for keywords that match the original job advert. Make sure yours has the best chance of getting through - and impressing the person at the other end - by tweaking your CV to the job.

2. Simple one, but so obvious: use the spellcheck. It's a feature built into Word and there are free tools to use online if you don't have it. Don't rule yourself out of the running with a basic typo.

3. Don't go over two pages. The ideal CV length is two sides - recruiters are busy people, and increasingly have a large number of CVs to sift through. Don't give them an essay to read.

4. Explain the gaps. Gaps in employment happen to everyone, but don't just leave a vague white space on your CV. Employers don't want to guess what you were up to between jobs, so briefly explain that you were out of work and point to any transferable skills you might have picked up along the way.

5. One easy and often overlooked CV blunder is having an embarrassing e-mail address. thefunnycookie@hotmail.com might have been hilarious when you were 14, but you need a simple firstname.lastname@somewheresensible.com format when applying for jobs.

For more tips on writing a CV visit the National Careers Service website.

LifeSkills, created with Barclays, also has a CV builder. Visit the LifeSkills website to find out more.

LinkedIn and Microsoft are offering free online learning for a range of jobs in demand - including programmers, IT support, design and customer representatives. For more information visit LinkedIn's website.

The Google Digital Garage website has lots of courses to help you develop your career skills, including CV writing, project management and wellbeing.

Watch our CV tips video to understand further what a CV should and shouldn't include and how to make yours work harder for you.

Related content

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5 classic CV mistakes - and how to avoid them - Job help

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Getting your CV right is easily the most important part of the job application. But you're not going to get past a recruiter or a tricky HR manager if you pull one of the most common CV mistakes. Here are five to avoid.... Always, always tailor your CV to the role.

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A job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you do during an interview will either move you to the next round of consideration for employment or knock you out of contention.

It doesn't take much to make an impression - good or bad.

If you haven't taken the time to dress appropriately or if you say the "wrong" thing, it could be over before it starts.

It's important to be the candidate who makes the best impression, rather than the person who blows the interview and doesn't get a shot at the job.

How to Improve Your Interview Skills

You'll need to do more than simply show up to the interview to perform well during a job interview and make a strong and positive impression. Taking the time to brush up your interview skills before you get on the phone or head out to an in-person interview will help you nail the interview and secure a job offer.

Follow these strategies and tips to ace your interview.

Know the Facts

Review your work history before the interview - and make sure what you say matches what's on your resume.

Plus, spend some time learning about the company and about the job you're applying for. The more informed you are, the easier it will be to handle interview questions and pitch your qualifications to the hiring manager.

Practice Beforehand

Practice answering some interview questions, so you're comfortable responding to the most common questions employers ask. This type of rehearsing will help you feel confident on the day of the interview.

Sell Yourself

Think of yourself as the product, and be prepared to sell yourself. To do so effectively, you'll need to be able to share why you're qualified for the job. Here's how to answer questions about your qualifications. You'll also want to make it clear during the interview that you're interested in this specific job at this specific company - not just any job that's available, at any company.

Your verbal communication is important. Don't use slang. Speak clearly and definitely. If you need to think about a response to an interview question, it's fine to take a minute. It's better to think before you talk than to stumble over your words. You'll want to appear calm and focused, not flustered, while answering questions. This will help you make a good impression on your interviewer.

On the flip side, you can use non-verbal communication to impress the interviewer. What you don't say during an interview is as important as what you do say. The goal during a job interview is to appear professional and attentive throughout the interview process.

Dress for the Occasion

Appearances and how you conduct yourself during the interview are important as well. If you come to an interview chewing gum or drinking coffee, you will already have one strike against you. Too much perfume or not enough deodorant won't help either.

Not being dressed appropriately or having scuffed shoes will give you a second strike. (Here's more on what not to wear to an interview.) Talking or texting on your cell phone or listening to music while waiting to be called for the interview may be your final strike, and you could be done with your candidacy before you even say a word.

Treat the interview seriously. Plan your interview outfit ahead of time, leave yourself plenty of travel time so you aren't late, and show up prepared to engage in the conversation.

Remember to Focus on Listening

It can be easy to get distracted during a job interview. It's stressful, and you're in the hot seat when it comes to having to respond to questions. That said, if you do your best to listen to what the interviewer is asking, it will be easier to frame appropriate responses.

Listen carefully and take the time to frame a thoughtful response to each of the questions you're asked.

Have Questions Ready to Ask

Be prepared to respond when you're asked whether you have any questions. You can ask about the job, the company, and about any details that you'd like to know more about.

Thank Your Interviewer

Before you leave the interview, be sure to thank the interviewer for their time, and for considering you for the position. Then follow up with an email message or thank-you letter that reiterates your interest in the position, and your thanks for being considered.

Get More Advice

Looking for more insight that will help you ace an interview? Review tips for phone interviews, second interviews, lunch and dinner interviews, behavioral interviews, and interviewing in public.

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Best Tips for Improving Your Interview Skills

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A job interview gives you a chance to shine. What you say and what you do during an interview will either move you to the next round of consideration for employment or knock you out of contention. It doesn't take much to make an impression - good or bad.

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How to write a CV and what you should include

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Information and advice for carers on work, employment and education, including rights at work, leaving work and getting back into work or education.

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It's a slightly scary thought, but any thoughts or opinions you put online could be there forever. Just as you would check out a business you want to work for, they can just as easily research you (hey, fair's fair) - so it's a good idea to make sure your digital footprint shows you in the best light.

According to a 2014 Jobsite Social Recruiting Survey, 93% of recruiters check a candidate's social profiles before making a hiring decision.

If a prospective employer searched for your name, what might they find? And is there anything on Facebook or Twitter you wouldn't want your future boss to see?

There are ways you can make your social profiles more appropriate. On Twitter and Instagram, you can protect your tweets, or set your photos to private, meaning only people you approve can see what you post (although old tweets may still be found). And you can change your Facebook privacy settings to control who sees what.

Make sure your footprint sends the right message about who you are - no matter who's reading.

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It's a slightly scary thought, but any thoughts or opinions you put online could be there forever. Just as you would check out a business you want to work for, they can just as easily research you (hey, fair's fair) - so it's a good idea to make sure your digital footprint shows you in the best light.

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We had brilliant two days and welcomed more visitors and exhibitors than ever before - this can only mean great things for next year. Don't forget to register your interest for 2023 to be the first to know when the registration will open!
Care Show is the social care event of the year, this year's show will be our biggest and best to date.

You will be provided with over 75 hours of excellent CPD accredited sessions that are led by experts that will equip you with knowledge to be put into place immediately and to better your business and care.

Care Show is for you! It is a time to learn and explore what is taking place in the sector you work in. We want to celebrate all the good you do.
REGISTER YOUR INTEREST EXHIBIT IN 2023

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We had brilliant two days and welcomed more visitors and exhibitors than ever before - this can only mean great things for next year. Don't forget to register your interest for 2023 to be the first to know when the registration will open!

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Dr Leanne Armitage MBBS BSc (Hons) on LinkedIn: To say I feel joyful right now is an understatement, I'm absolutely | 2500 comments

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To say I feel joyful right now is an understatement, I'm absolutely elated! The picture on the left is me as a 15-year-old girl with a dream. A dream... 2500 comments on LinkedIn

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Skip to content

Use your background in social work to improve the lives, rights and prospects of marginalised people.

Volunteers with a background in community and social work

Volunteer Anne Law with Nirmala and Durga. Anne is supporting 'Sisters for Sisters', a project in Nepal working with communities, teachers and school management, policy makers and government to bring about education equality.

You'll be working with marginalised and excluded people to make their lives better. You might be fighting for recognition of needs for mental healthcare, challenging perceptions about people with disabilities or helping people access government services.

Whatever you do, your input will help to shape communities for the future and improve quality of life.

Community and social work roles include:

Community workers

Social workers and managers

It's an unforgettable experience that I will treasure for life.

Hesed Jacela,

Volunteer in the Philippines

How we support you

Throughout your journey with VSO, we'll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. Our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement and our offices in each of the countries we work in and our local partners will provide ongoing support while you are overseas.
Before you go

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Volunteer jobs in community and social work

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Skip to content Use your background in social work to improve the lives, rights and prospects of marginalised people. You'll be working with marginalised and excluded people to make their lives better. You might be fighting for recognition of needs for mental healthcare, challenging perceptions about people with disabilities or helping people access government services.

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About the course

This course provides a recognised route to higher education courses for all branches of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and other health care programmes. It may also lead to higher education degree courses in areas such as Health Studies, Psychology and Sociology. Access to Higher Education programmes are designed to meet the needs of students who may not have had the opportunity to enter higher education earlier in their lives. Classes are flexibly timetabled to meet the needs of student learners. The course can be studied over one academic year [two days (9-5pm), three days (9-3pm) or three evenings (6-9pm) per week].

Entry requirements

Applicants should have an interest in the health and social care professions and be prepared for nine months study. Students are advised to enquire as to individual university entry requirements, e.g. most universities now require GCSE English and Mathematics at Grade C or above for Nursing. Access course study is of A2 Level standard and while there are no formal entry requirements, we must ensure at interview that applicants have a good chance of success.

Applicants must be 19 or over as at the start of the course.

Qualifications

Nursing Access to Higher Education Diploma in conjunction with CAVA (Cambridge Access Validating Agency).

What you'll learn (core modules)

All Access courses comprise 60 credits:

Physiology (15), Psychology (9), Sociology (9), Social History (6), Mathematics (6), Study Skills (6) and a Project (9).

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed using a variety of methods (essays, reports, presentations and exams) to prepare for study at university

Where is the course delivered? (facilities/classrooms)

Classroom and laboratory.

Where will this course take me?

Students progress to higher education courses as detailed in the 'Course Content'. Of the students who completed this course last year 80% entered Higher Education.

How much will it cost?

The course fees are waived if the student is under 24 years of age and has not studied a full Level 3 qualification.

Students over 24 years can finance their course through an Adult Learning Loan.

For further information on the Advanced Learner Loan please contact the Student Loans Co-ordinator on 01284 338714

I'm interested. What should I do now?

Please submit an online application via West Suffolk College website and you will be contacted to arrange an interview with the Course Director.

Days & times

Starting 13/09/2021

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Health Professions Access to HE Diploma Level 3

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This course provides a recognised route to higher education courses for all branches of Nursing, Midwifery, Social Work and other health care programmes. It may also lead to higher education degree courses in areas such as Health Studies, Psychology and Sociology.

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Care Assistants exist in all specialisms of nursing and healthcare, and they can perform a wide range of tasks according to training and experience.
Updated 27th July 2020
Topics covered in this article
Introduction The different roles of a Care Assistant What do Healthcare Assistants do? How to become a Care Assistant What skills and traits do you need to be a Healthcare Assistant? What qualifications does a Care Assistant need? How much do Healthcare Assistants get paid?
Introduction

The job of a care assistant is often the first step onto a career ladder that can open you up to a whole world of opportunities that you never knew existed.

Some people begin the role and enjoy the patient contact so much that they remain in that role for the rest of their working life. Others use it as a stepping stone onto other careers. Either way, becoming a care assistant is an important and rewarding job. In this article we look at how to become a care assistant and what qualifications and career opportunities exist.

The different roles of a Care Assistant

A care assistant is a job title most often associated with staff employed by a care home - hospitals, GP surgeries and NHS Trusts employ Healthcare Assistants.

The same role can be known as a Nursing Assistant or Nursing Auxiliary - although these terms are less widely used today.

Some organisations also use the following terms: Carer, Domiciliary Carer or Support Worker.

Each role is defined by the environment it is based in but all of them essentially involve a similar set of tasks.

The main difference is whether you are working in a medical, primary or secondary care environment such an NHS setting (where we tend to call them Healthcare Assistants or HCAs), or in a social care environment such as a care home or the client's own home (where we tend to call them Care Assistants or Support Workers).

What do Healthcare Assistants do?

HCAs are delegated tasks according to their competence to perform them and will be supervised either by a Nurse in a hospital setting or by a Senior Carer or supervisor in domiciliary (patient home) or residential setting.

These tasks will be aimed at underpinning the care of the patient.

Providing and supporting a patient with personal care such as washing, dressing and toileting is common - as is assisting with eating and drinking.

The role involves helping to provide and maintain the patient in an acceptable level of comfort and dignity whilst they are in your care.

There will be an element of documentation involved and HCAs are required to keep the Nurse or Senior Carer informed about any changes or concerns about the patient.

HCAs are given a period of training before they undertake these tasks without direct supervision and support from a senior member of staff.

HCAs based in a hospital or community NHS environment often go on to receive training to be able to take baseline observations such as blood pressure, temperature, pulse, respiratory rate and blood oxygen level.

After additional training, there are usually opportunities to learn venepuncture (taking blood) and occasionally catheterisation of the bladder.

How to become a Care Assistant

Care Assistants are much in demand in the current climate. With an aging population and a growing shortage of care staff available to look after them, with the right skills, the world can be your oyster once you have some experience.

But how do you get that experience?

The first step is to look for a job posting for a care assistant.

This can be in the NHS, social services or a private organisation such as a care home.

Once you have found a job that looks interesting, it is always advisable to contact the advertiser or given person on the advert.

This will give you the opportunity to find out more about the role and have an informal visit before you commit to applying for the post.

It can also demonstrate that you are genuinely interested in the job before you get invited for interview and give you an advantage over other applicants.

When it comes to interview, make sure that you have researched the organisation and have an understanding of what the job may involve.

As a new HCA, you will be required to undertake the Care Certificate which was first introduced in 2015 after the Cavendish Review identified the need to ensure that all care staff had a standardised approach to their training.

This is a work-based training programme that trains new care workers in the skills they will need to perform the role.

What skills and traits do you need to be a Healthcare Assistant?

The primary skill needed in care is that of communication.

How you speak to and listen to those in your care is at the very core of the job.

You are dealing with vulnerable people who need you to treat them with compassion and dignity.

If you've worked in customer services or retail, you'll have lots of transferable skills.

Equally, simply being a parent, caring for older family members or babysitting younger children can demonstrate skills that can replicated into care work.

It is not uncommon that at interview, you get asked to explain what you feel the meaning of 'compassion,' 'care,' or 'dignity' might be.

This question is used to demonstrate whether you understand the core values of what being a health professional is.

What qualifications does a Care Assistant need?

There are no basic entry qualifications required to become an HCA.

You will receive all the training you require as part of your first 6mths in post.

Most places offer a 6mth probationary period to new starters to allow you to familiarise yourself with the role and be supported.

Once you are established in your role and have completed the Care Certificate, your employer should offer you the opportunity to undertake further training to advance your career.

There are multiple types of qualifications that you can undertake to enhance your training, each specific to the environment that you are working in and therefore it is worth asking at interview what opportunities there are for you to progress.

These days, it is possible to embark on a nursing career whilst working as an HCA in a healthcare setting as you can undertake both nurse apprenticeships and nurse associate training.

It is also possible that you will decide that nursing is not your choice of career but the experience of being an HCA will allow you to transfer the skills you've learned into other areas of employment and training.

Having care work as a basis opens lots of doors in other aspects of healthcare such as physiotherapy, paramedic training, pharmacy, and medicine.

If you get confused between care assistants and healthcare assistants (don't worry - there's a fine line which is easily blurred) then take a look at our blogs:-

what is the difference between a healthcare assistant and a care assistant and the difference between healthcare assistants (HCAs) and care assistants - which should help clear up the confusion for you.

How much do Healthcare Assistants get paid?

Healthcare Assistants working in the NHS start at a Band 2 salary - which is currently £18,005 a year.

This is rising each year for the next two years.

With further training and experience, you can easily move into Band 3 (starting salary of £19,337) or Band 4 (starting salary of £21,892).

A higher rate of pay is offered for working evenings, weekends and other unsociable hours.

In the private sector, Care Assistant pay is less regulated and varies widely.

The only guarantee is that it will be at or above the National Minimum Wage.

But the latest data suggests that the average hourly salary is £8.15, and the average annual pay range is anywhere between £15,000 and £21,000.

Broadly speaking, working for the NHS offers a better and more secure benefits package.

But with healthcare assistants now heavily in demand in the public and private sector, some private care providers are working harder to attract new employees. So which sector is better to work in isn't a clear-cut choice.

Your best bet is to look at a range of options and positions in both sectors, and make a decision not just based on salary but location, your ongoing career and your work-life balance.

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How to become a Healthcare Assistant with no formal care experience

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Updated 27th July 2020 Introduction The different roles of a Care Assistant What do Healthcare Assistants do? How to become a Care Assistant What skills and traits do you need to be a Healthcare Assistant? What qualifications does a Care Assistant need? How much do Healthcare Assistants get paid?

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Download our app

Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app.

Check out our latest events!

T Levels are a brand new qualification designed for 16-19 year olds, with a mixture of classroom learning and work placement. They follow GCSEs, gain you UCAS points and are equivalent to three A Levels. T Levels are a two-year qualification, after which you can step straight into your chosen career, an apprenticeship or a degree.

These courses have been developed in collaboration with employers and businesses so that the content meets the needs of industry and prepares students for work. T-Levels will offer students a mixture of classroom learning and 'on-the-job' training during an industry placement of at least 45 days (315 hours). They provide the knowledge and experience needed to open doors into a skilled job, higher apprenticeship or university.

UCAS Points you'll gain from T Levels

UCAS Tariff points - T Level overall grade
168 Distinction*
144 Distinction
120 Merit
96 Pass (C or above on the core)
72 Pass (D or E on the core)

Your questions about T Levels answered
Is it possible to study a T Level without sitting an exam?
No. There are two exams that are the assessment for the Core.
I am not good with exam situations what course can I do that is assessment only?
The DfE are removing more and more of the qualifications that are only assessment. The only course we currently offer that doesn't have exams is our new Level 3 Managing and Developing Esports course.
How are T levels assessed?
There are 4 parts to T Levels. Year 1 (Core - 2 exams, Employer project - timed assessment over a few days (like they do for art GCSE)), year 2 (Specialism - timed assessment over a few days) and industry placement of at least 1 day a week for the 2 years. All work is externally assessed (exams and assessments)
What's the difference between a T Level and the other options available to me?
T Levels are very employer orientated and are designed with industry leaders. They are very specific and provide learners with the skills and knowledge required for the sector of their choosing.
Why should I choose a T Level?
For students that know what they want to do and want lots of industry and practical experience.
Why should I choose to study a T Level?
T levels are designed with industry leaders to provide the skills and knowledge that are needed in industry. They are very in-depth into their field.
What is the difference between a T Level and an Apprenticeship?
An Apprenticeship is based with the employer and you attend college for one day of teaching. (more on the job learning, less theory) a T Level is three days in college and at least 1 day industry placement (more theory and in-depth content)
Will I get paid for the work experience?
No, but the experience you'll fain will put you in a favourable position when seeking employment and in university applications.
Do I have to find my own placement?
Preferably, but we do have industry contacts and are here to help.
Can I find my own work placement?
Absolutely! This means that you find a placement that you want and within a suitable travel distance for yourself. Just please talk to us so that we can ensure it is suitable for your T Level.
Can I still go to university?
T Levels offer UCAS points just like A Levels and BTEC. T-Levels are widely recognised by most universities and higher education institutions. If you have any questions please contact one of your Career Advisors.

Digital Support Services

Learn the essentials of digital roles by understanding data and digital systems, how software and business interact, security, testing, planning and legal issues. The broad purpose of a Digital Support Technician is to maximise the effective use of digital office technologies, productivity software, digital communications, including collaborative technologies, and digital information systems.

Education and Childcare

The core element of a T Level in education and childcare will allow you to develop your knowledge and understanding in a broad range of topics such as child development, safeguarding and special educational needs, as well as learning about the role of families and support agencies. It's a diverse and fascinating subject, and you'll be able to delve into the specifics of social interaction, how language is acquired and understanding behaviour. You'll also build your skills in becoming a reflective practitioner with an understanding of the broader context of education.

You'll then be able to choose a specialism, which is designed to support your interests and ambitions to progress in a specific area. This is where you can get deeper into your chosen subject, developing and practising the skills needed for an occupation.

Science

Your course starts with the essential knowledge and skills to work in science or healthcare including how the industry works, core scientific concepts and key regulations including managing information, health and safety and good scientific/clinical practice

Get in touch with a course advisor:

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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Click on the App Store or Google Play logos below to download the College app. Check out our latest events! T Levels are a brand new qualification designed for 16-19 year olds, with a mixture of classroom learning and work placement. They follow GCSEs, gain you UCAS points and are equivalent to three A Levels.

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"nhs careers" "step into the nhs" "health careers"

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Health Careers offers careers information on the range of career opportunities in health. It consists of a telephone and email helpline, website, literature and other supporting materials. As well as offering careers information to anyone interested in working for in health, it offers materials and resources that support employers, schools, colleges and careers advisors.

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Think Care Careers has everything you need to know about working in social care. Including the different roles you can, what values and skills you need and how you can progress.

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Browse all of our social care careers advice articles. Since 2008 we've posted 140 articles by care professionals and experts. Read, Comment, Like & Reply!

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Meet Queen's Young Leader Leanne Armitage

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Why volunteer in health and care?

Many NHS organisations and charities need help from volunteers. This is a great way to support the NHS and get involved in your community. Local NHS Trust websites usually include details of how to get involved.

Volunteers are crucial to the NHS's vision for the future of health and social care, as partners with our skilled staff, not as substitutes for them. There are more than 300 types of role in the NHS alone, providing challenging and rewarding opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Some can be a one-off, like a hospital garden makeovers or fundraising. Others can last for months or even years, like running a hospital radio show, helping with administration in a hospice or taking part in advisory groups.

Youth volunteering

Many NHS organisations are opening up volunteer roles for young people from the age of 16, and some now offer youth volunteering programmes for 16 and 17-year-olds. Young volunteers not only have a positive impact within the NHS, the experience they gain is often beneficial for them. For example by developing skills such as team working and problem-solving which are crucial for future success in education and the workplace.

NHS Cadets

NHS Cadets is an exciting programme being rolled out across England in partnership with St John Ambulance. It supports 14-18-year-olds from communities with less access to volunteering to find out what it is like to work in health and care, and to consider this as a future career choice. NHS Cadets learn first aid, develop their leadership and practical skills, and are offered rewarding healthcare volunteering opportunities. Further details are available on the St John Ambulance website.

How to get involved

There are different ways to support the NHS depending on the type of volunteering role that you are looking for. Examples and sources of information are given below.

1. Regular volunteering for your local hospital or ambulance trust: There are many volunteering options in hospital settings such as ward and department volunteers, administrative support, fundraising, patient participation groups or Foundation Trust governors. Each hospital is likely to have a choice of volunteering options, coordinated by a Volunteer Service Manager. Ambulance Trusts also have a range of volunteering roles from providing patient transport to being a Community First Responder who supports and reassures patients while an ambulance is on the way. Information about how to get involved will be on NHS organisation websites and you can find contact details here for your local NHS organisations.

Some voluntary roles may also be advertised on NHS Jobs.

2. Regular volunteering for an organisation that works with the NHS: Voluntary organisations support the NHS in a wide range of ways which give extra help and comfort to patients and reduce pressure on our staff. The following websites include useful information.

NCVO (National Council for Voluntary organisations) web page 'I want to volunteer' for everything you need to know to get started.
Volunteering Matters for volunteering opportunities in your local area.

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Many NHS organisations and charities need help from volunteers. This is a great way to support the NHS and get involved in your community. Local NHS Trust websites usually include details of how to get involved. Volunteers are crucial to the NHS's vision for the future of health and social care, as partners with our skilled staff, not as substitutes for them.

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Use the DBS Update Service to keep your DBS check certificates up to date or check an applicant’s DBS certificate (used to be called CRB checks).

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Investing in adults

Suffolk County Council is a 4 star authority.

We have a strong vision for the future of Adult and Community Services (ACS) and have invested substantially to ensure that our staff have the time and support to make a difference to the most vulnerable adults and their carers or families.
We offer you:

the opportunity to work within supportive and stable teams of experienced professionals

a starting salary based on qualification and a strong commitment to training

personal development and professional supervision, including support to study at PQ Specialist and Higher Specialist Award levels

flexible working arrangements

generous pension and relocation packages

links to childcare support and excellent schooling

Social worker recruitment in Suffolk

Visit Social Work Suffolk for information about working in social care with adults.

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Suffolk County Council is a 4 star authority. We have a strong vision for the future of Adult and Community Services (ACS) and have invested substantially to ensure that our staff have the time and support to make a difference to the most vulnerable adults and their carers or families.

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Where could a career in nursing take you?

Take our 3-minute quiz to find out

When you train to be a nurse you may be eligible for at least £5,000 a year to support your studies - and that's not all.

Get your free step-by-step guide to getting into nursing

Sign up to our email guide for more about nursing and where it can take you, routes in, and how to write a stand out application.

Sign up

What do NHS nurses do?

As a newly qualified nurse, you'll work as part of a multidisciplinary team, providing direct patient care. You can choose to work in a variety of settings, everything from hospital wards and operating theatres to schools and patients' homes.

No two days are the same when you're a nurse. Depending on what type of nursing you choose to specialise in, you could spend your time helping people overcome mental barriers, nursing newborns, supporting people with learning disabilities or saving lives in A&E.

As your career progresses, you could specialise in areas such as theatre nursing or practise nursing, or you could undertake further postgraduate studies to become a more senior nurse, such as a district nurse, health visitor or advanced clinical practitioner. You could also move into management, clinical research or teaching.

Whatever you choose, you're guaranteed to make a real difference to people's lives, every single day.

What qualifications do I need?

The most common route into nursing is by completing a nursing degree though there are other routes available, including nursing apprenticeship degrees and nursing associate roles.

Each university sets its own entry requirements for entry onto a nursing degree, but in general you'll need to get at least five 9-4 (A-C) grade GCSEs (including English, maths and a science subject) and at least two (preferably three) A levels. Lots of universities require A level biology.

Alternative level 3 qualifications are sometimes accepted by universities (such as approved Access to Nursing courses, BTEC National Diplomas or International Baccalaureates), but you'll need to check with your chosen university before making an application.

Find out more about studying to be a nurse and use our course finder to see which universities offer approved nursing degrees.

What are the pay and benefits?

As a newly qualified nurse, you'll start in pay band 5, meaning you'll earn over £25,000 a year. Your pay will then increase annually until you reach the top of your pay band. There's additional pay for staff who work in high-cost areas such as around London.

You'll have plenty of opportunities for career progression, and with that comes the chance to move up a pay band and earn more.

You'll also enjoy one of the best benefits packages in the UK which includes a generous pension scheme, exclusive health service discounts as well as support with things like childcare costs if you need it.

Find out more about the pay and benefits of working in the NHS.

Discover where a nursing career could take you and how to get started.

See how others made the switch and find out how to take those first steps.

Let's get you back to the job you love - we're here to support you, every step of the way.

Find out which one might be right for you; adult, children's, learning disability or mental health nursing.

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Where could a career in nursing take you? Take our 3-minute quiz to find out When you train to be a nurse you may be eligible for at least £5,000 a year to support your studies - and that's not all.

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The Health and Social Care sector is undergoing radical and rapid change. Developments in frontline health and social care mean there's a demand for well-trained and multi-skilled people across a range of rewarding employment opportunities.

Skills you can develop

As well as the specific subject knowledge gained from studying for an OU degree, you'll develop many transferable and work-related skills that are highly valued by employers and which will increase your employability.

For Health and Social Care students the employability skills you will develop include the ability to:

draw together, analyse and critically evaluate information

communicate effectively with individuals, groups and organisations

produce accurate records and make informed decisions

think logically and propose reasoned solutions

put together well-judged arguments and question assumptions

manage time, learn independently and use ICT effectively

work as part of a team and take on responsibility

write concisely, clearly and accurately

interpret, use and evaluate various types of data

relate knowledge gained to situations in health and social care.

These transferable skills are applicable to a wide range of graduate careers both within and outside the Health and Social Care sector.

To check which skills valued by employers can be developed from studying a particular subject, look at the Student Employability Profiles on the Higher Education Academy website. You will also find information about employability skills developed through study of specific degree subjects on the Prospects website.

The OU Careers and Employability Services define student employability as `A set of capabilities and achievements that support students in developing their careers, raising their aspirations and enhancing their contribution to society`.

Whatever your motivations for study, your goals and career aspirations, you are entitled to supported personal development planning either as an intrinsic part of your programme of study or through signposted optional activities. You can view our full Student Employability Policy Statement on our website.

Student stories

You have to focus on the person rather than the crime and think about risk reduction and management

John Pierre-Madigan, Probation Worker

I am really looking forward to qualifying at the end of this year and being able to call myself a Social Worker.

Julie-Anne Howard, trainee social worker

My promotion to clinical nurse specialist is certainly down to my OU studies.

Jasmina Banicek, Nurse

My job is varied and includes days spent studying the theoretical aspects of Low Intensity CBT, and practising specific skills needed to carry out the day to day role of PWP.

Kate Brown, Trainee Psychological Wellbeing Practitioner (PWP)
OU qualifications

Find out more about undergraduate study and postgraduate study in Health and Social care.

Learn more about the School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care within the OU Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS).

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Health and Social Care skills and careers

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The Health and Social Care sector is undergoing radical and rapid change. Developments in frontline health and social care mean there's a demand for well-trained and multi-skilled people across a range of rewarding employment opportunities.

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We've got the largest camp customer service team worldwide, and every one of our expert team members has worked a job at summer camp in America.

On top of that, every year we get your honest feedback on our camps to make sure we work with only the best camps America has to offer.

We'll help you start out your USA gap year in style. We're on hand every step of the way to help you have the summer of your lifetime - because we're travel experts.

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We've got the largest camp customer service team worldwide, and every one of our expert team members has worked a job at summer camp in America. On top of that, every year we get your honest feedback on our camps to make sure we work with only the best camps America has to offer.

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The nursing degree apprenticeship will enable people to train to become a graduate registered nurse through an apprentice route.

Apprentices will be released by their employer to study part-time in a higher education institution and will train in a range of practice placement settings. They will learn at Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) approved education providers and will be expected to achieve the same standards as other student nurses.

1. Eligibility to become a nursing degree apprentice

Anyone can become an apprentice nurse, providing they meet the entry requirements for the degree programme as set out in the standards and their employer believes they are capable of the academic learning required to become a degree registered nurse.

2. Applying for an apprenticeship

The first nursing degree apprenticeships will be available from September 2017.

Employers will advertise apprentice vacancies nearer the time.

In the meantime, if you already work in a health or care setting please talk to your employer if you're interested in the nursing degree apprenticeship.

3. Becoming a degree registered nurse in 4 years

Most nursing degree apprenticeships will take 4 years. It could take more time if the apprentice takes time off for any permitted reason. If the apprentice already has prior learning and experience which is accepted by the approved education institution under Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) arrangements it could take less than 4 years.

4. Funding the nursing degree apprenticeship

Nursing degree apprentices won't have to pay anything themselves. The cost of the apprenticeship will be paid by employers.

From April 2017 there will be a new apprenticeship levy. The levy requires all employers operating in the UK, with a pay bill over £3 million each year, to invest in apprenticeships.

Employers who pay the levy will be able to access funds to spend on apprenticeship training.
Find out more about how the apprenticeship levy works
5. Nursing associates and nursing degree apprenticeships

It is possible to progress from being a nursing associate to a nursing degree apprenticeship. A nursing associate will work and study towards a level 5 qualification. A nursing degree apprentice will work and study towards a level 6 nursing degree.

It may also be possible to count the learning and experience gained as a nursing associate towards the degree-level apprenticeship, and reduce the length of the apprenticeship.
See more information on nursing associates

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The nursing degree apprenticeship will enable people to train to become a graduate registered nurse through an apprentice route. Apprentices will be released by their employer to study part-time in a higher education institution and will train in a range of practice placement settings.

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Student Nurses Bedpans And Bandages S01E03 [Full Episode]

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Use your student finance account to:

view statements and letters from Student Finance England (SFE)

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on the Student Finance England website

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You'll be given a customer reference number ( CRN) and asked to create a password and secret answer when you first set up your account.

You'll get a letter telling you how to sign in to your account, if you do not apply online.

You need your CRN or email and your password each time you sign in.

Recover your sign in details online.

Other ways to apply

If you cannot apply online, use the form finder to get the forms you need.

You can call Student Finance England if you want to apply online but you cannot use a computer without help.

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Your student finance online account - check payment dates, track an application, change details, reset password, find customer reference numbers

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Student Nurses Bedpans And Bandages S01E06 [Full Episode]

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What Is It Like Being A Male Nurse | Student Nurses

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A day in the life of a Nurse| NHS | Covid 19

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Looking for careers advice? Find out everything you need to know.

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Our simulation centre helps our student nurses to practise their skills

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Student Nurses Bedpans And Bandages S01E08 [Full Episode]

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Student Nurses Bedpans And Bandages S01E05 [Full Episode]

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Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service

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The National Careers Service can help you with your career, learning and training choices. Find out more about us and the different ways we can support you. This service is available to people who live in England.

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Find out more about Social care careers.

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Applying to uni? Nursing interview tips!

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A day in the life of a community health & social care professional

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Click below to find out more about some of our specialty roles

Some of the other nursing specialties we can help you with include:

Accident and Emergency (A & E)

Acute Care Nursing

Aged Care Nursing

Cardiac Care Nursing

Central Sterile Supply Department

Community Health Nursing

Critical Care Nursing

Dental Nursing

Educators & Facilitators

Forensic & Correctional Nursing

General Medical & Surgical Nursing

Gynecology and Obstetrics

Haematology and Oncology

High Acuity

Intensive Care Unit (ICU)

Mental Health Nursing

Midwifery and Neo-Natal Nursing

Nursing Management

Occupational Health

Ophthalmic Nursing

Orthopaedic Nursing

Paediatric Nursing

Pain Management

Palliative Care Nursing

Perioperative Nursing

Plastic Surgery

Psychiatry

Pulmonary Care Nursing

Radiology Nursing

Remote Area Nursing (RAN)

Scrub Nursing

Theatre & Recovery

Triage Nursing

Trauma Nursing

Urology Nursing

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25 pieces of advice you wish you knew when you started Nursing

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Click below to find out more about some of our specialty roles Some of the other nursing specialties we can help you with include: Accident and Emergency (A & E) Acute Care Nursing Aged Care Nursing Cardiac Care Nursing Central Sterile Supply Department Community Health Nursing Critical Care Nursing Dental

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Think Ahead - Could you be a mental health social worker?

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The Placement Experience - Learning Disability Nursing

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Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE)

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Challenging Behaviour and Learning Disabilities: Independent living

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A day in the life of a Personal Assistant

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What is social work? Emergency Duty Team

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Hidden Lives, Untold Stories: Nurses Beyond Nightingale

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Rachel- Clinical Support Worker- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust

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Filmed before the coronavirus crisis, Rhod Gilbert takes on one of his toughest challenges yet - being a carer. Even in more ordinary times, the work of carers is so valuable, if not always valued.

Filmed before the coronavirus crisis, Rhod Gilbert takes on one of his toughest challenges yet - being a carer. He discovers that, even in more ordinary times, the work of carers is so valuable, if not always valued.

It's an emotional journey for Rhod, but he finds that simply getting to know the people he is caring for is the key and there are plenty of laughs along the way. As well as the challenge of doing intimate personal care, he is nearly drowned by an octogenarian in a swimming pool and is upstaged for bawdy humour by a poet with Parkinson's. Rhod's final task is to stage a talent show in a nursing home, and by the end there's not a dry eye in the house.

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BBC One - Rhod Gilbert's Work Experience, Series 9, Care Worker

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Filmed before the coronavirus crisis, Rhod Gilbert takes on one of his toughest challenges yet - being a carer. Even in more ordinary times, the work of carers is so valuable, if not always valued. Filmed before the coronavirus crisis, Rhod Gilbert takes on one of his toughest challenges yet - being a carer.

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Emma Willis: Delivering Babies Behind The Scenes | W

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A career in the NHS as a maternity support worker

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Health and Social Care job profile: Nursing Assistant

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Meet Amelia, a healthcare assistant in the NHS