Starting your social care career
Getting some experience of working in the sector is a good place to start. Experience, whether paid or unpaid will enhance your job prospects and give you an opportunity to find out if you would enjoy the job.
You can begin your career in social care without formal qualifications but you must be willing to gain them while you work. If you would like to gain a qualification before you start your career, contact your local college for further information on social care courses.
Scottish college contacts (35.37 kB)
Funding for training
If you are considering doing a social care course, contact your local college to discuss funding. Depending on your circumstances you may be eligible for the payment of course fees or grants.
Work based qualifications (SVQs) are usually funded by employers and you can discuss the options directly with them. Once you are working in social care there are opportunities for further education and training. The employee development officer for your organisation will be able to give advice.
The SSSC is registering key groups of social care workers. Find out more about registration with the SSSC.
Got a question? Read our frequently asked questions about social service careers.
Useful websites- Caring Careers - www.caringcareers.org.uk
- Scottish Qualifications Authority - www.sqa.org.uk
- Social Care Association - www.socialcareassociation.co.uk
- Care Inspectorate - www.careinspectorate.com
- Workforce Solutions Portal - http://workforcesolutions.sssc.uk.com
- My world of work - myworldofwork.skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk/work
