As Norfolk County Council looks at new ways to bring more people into the adult social care sector, chair of the authority's adult social care committee, Bill Borrett, explains the various ways of getting into the rewarding career.
Working in care is a rewarding and essential job – never more so than now.
With Norfolk County Council's commitment to helping people live more independently in their own homes, the need for more people to work in the care sector has never been more relevant.
The county council is looking at new ways to boost recruitment in the care sector and in March, we launched a sector specific careers site to encourage more people to think about a career in caring.
Our new website www.norfolkcarecareers.co.uk provides a gateway to care jobs and careers in Norfolk. Amongst other things, it shares stories from people already working in the sector and their experiences.
Many people join the sector because they have experienced the care and support given to their own families.
Working in social care offers an enormous sense of personal achievement, knowing you're helping and supporting others. You will also be able help people to stay in their own homes, regain their independence, where possible, to maintain the dignity and respect they deserve.
There are a number of ways to join the sector and health and social care apprenticeships is a popular route in Norfolk.
For more information, please visit the Norfolk County Council website and search for apprenticeships.
Relevant skills
People join the sector from many different backgrounds – it is not necessary to have prior experience; straight from education; those looking for a second job or career change and people returning to work and/or looking to work around other commitments. To be the very best you need the ability to show dignity to others, to help individuals with their health and wellbeing and, where possible, enable them to live an independent life as possible.
Career progression
In fact there are lots of ways to progress. This could be specialising in a specific area such as dementia, becoming a senior care worker, team leader or manager. With the skills gained in social care, you could even move into health and train as a nurse, paramedic or occupational therapist. There are plenty of opportunities to progress.
I would urge you to visit the site to take advantage of the information, advice and many roles available.
For more information on what's involved in working in adult social care visit www.norfolkcarecareers.co.uk; for jobs, visit www.norfolkcarejobs24.co.uk
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