As part of our feature to profile different careers to help children and young people make important decisions about their future career, this week we are featuring careers as a Care Worker, Nursery Worker and Social Worker.
Care Worker
Care workers help vulnerable people manage their daily activities and live as independently as possible.
You can get into this job through:
- a college course (Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care, Level 2 Diploma in Care or a T Level in Health)
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
You’ll usually need:
- 2 or fewer GCSEs at grades 3 to 1 (D to G), or equivalent, for a level 1 course
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
You can find out about a career as a Care Worker here.
Nursery Worker
Nursery workers (also called Nursery Assistant, Early Years Education, Pre-School Assistant, Playgroup Assistant, Childcare Worker) help babies and children under 5 years of age to develop and learn in a safe and supportive setting.
You can get into this job through:
- a college course (Level 2 Certificate in Childcare, Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care, T Level in Education and Childcare)
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- volunteering
- applying directly
You’ll need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T level
You can find out more about a career as a Nursery Worker here.
Social Worker
Social workers help to protect vulnerable children and adults from harm or abuse and support people to live independently.
You can get into this job through:
- a university course – a degree or postgraduate qualification in social work approved by Social Work England. You may be eligible for social work bursary.
- an apprenticeship
- a graduate training scheme
You’ll usually need:
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
- a degree in any subject for a postgraduate course
You can find out more about a career as a Social Worker here.