At this time of year many students are starting to think about jobs for the summer, or what they will do when they graduate. We’re here to say why not work in care? It’s a great way to earn money, there are good opportunities for progression and you’ll be doing something really important.
If you’re a student, lecturer or work in higher or further education, keep reading!
Our first tip might seem kind of simple, but aren’t those often the best ones?
1 – Stay local
Image: Priscilla du Preez
Research local care companies online and check their websites for jobs. Yes, it’s that simple! This might seem like a basic tip, but lots of people just look at recruitment ads and jobs pages. Doing that might mean you miss out on great opportunities close to home.
Lots of care companies want local people. They also might not have the budget to advertise very widely, so by doing a bit of legwork you can find great opportunities in your local area.
2 – Trial it
Image: Age Cymru
You might not be sure whether a job in care is for you, and that’s ok. The great thing about care jobs is that there are ways to try them out before you commit. Look for “bank shifts”. These are always available to cover evenings, weekends and bank holidays. It’s a great opportunity to ‘try before you buy’, so to speak!
It’s also an excellent way to develop your CV and gain work experience before you apply for more permanent roles. Plus, you’ll be making a difference by helping to provide valuable cover, making sure the residents and clients are supported at all times.
3 – Use your licence
Image: Chuttersnap
Can you drive? Do you have a car? If you do, that can be a big advantage. Companies that provide care in people’s own homes are always looking for drivers, so this can be a great foot in the door. Your car could help you earn money, instead of just costing it!
Working for a home care company means you’ll be helping people to stay in their own homes as they age. You’ll meet lots of different people and hear interesting stories. If you think this might suit you check out our video with Karina to hear first-hand what it’s like: https://surreycare.org.uk/senior-carer/
All the info
On our website we’ve got tons of useful info about working in care. We’ve got interviews and articles about the different kinds of jobs available – from carer or support worker to chef, cleaner, HR person or manager. The roles available are really varied and offer lots of opportunities to progress and build a great career.
Hopefully by now you’re thinking that a job in care might be right for you. If you’re based in Surrey and want to find some great local companies to work for, check out our website: https://surreycare.org.uk/careers-in-care/
Questions?
If you’ve got questions, get in touch and we’ll do our best to help!