Why choose a career in care?
Working in social care means more than a job, it’s a chance to make a real difference every day. You’ll join a team that often feels like family, united in a shared mission to deliver exceptional support to others, often in unexpected, creative ways.
Care is anything but routine, every day brings new challenges and rewards. The sense of fulfilment you’ll gain, along with flexible and varied hours, makes this sector a genuinely meaningful career choice.
“The care team is less a group of colleagues and more like a family, where everyone contributes a vital role and is committed to the same outcome: to provide excellent care to their clients and go beyond what is expected of them every single day”
– WSPiC accolades nomination, 2022
Video Spotlight: Why Care Matters as a Career
Katherine shares why she chose a career in adult social care, the advantages of apprenticeship routes, and what makes this path so fulfilling.
For more videos: https://vimeo.com/adultsocialcarecampaign/videos
Where You Could Work
Whether you’re interested in direct support (like a care assistant or support worker), or roles in finance, administration, catering, nursing or domestic services, there’s an entry point for you. Career progression is also robust, with opportunities to step into roles like deputy manager, registered manager, or area manager.
Roles span a range of environments:
- Residential or nursing homes
- Home care services
- Hospices
- Supported living services
- Extra-care facilities
- Community settings or office roles
- Nursing roles
How can I develop my skills?
Many new care professionals begin with the Care Certificate, which covers essential standards like communication, nutrition, and first aid. You can also pursue formal qualifications such as QCF (now RQF) Levels 2 through 5 in Health and Social Care, and take standalone courses like Mental Health Awareness or Stroke Planning. Some employers even offer roles like “Champions”, enabling staff to build expertise and support others.
Support for social care workers
“Not only do I feel like I’m giving something back but the people I care for give so much to me too. I feel so valued and appreciated, I wouldn’t go back to working in retail now.”
– Lesley, care assistant
The Care Workers’ Charity offers holistic support including financial, professional and emotional.
A Blue Light Card unlocks discounts with retailers for care workers.
Frontline19 provides confidential psychological support tailored to those working in frontline services.
Applying for a role in social care
Besides job platforms like Indeed or local college boards, stay connected via WSPiC’s Facebook page to catch local job opportunities as they come up; we post on behalf of our members’ community.
Follow us on Facebook! We regularly post job openings across West Sussex
The Great Care Employer
In collaboration with West Sussex County Council, WSPiC’s Great Care Employer scheme brings transparency to what care employers offer.
It has been developed with key objectives in mind:
- To offer transparency; job seekers can see which benefits are provided and which are not
- To help tackle myths about working in the care sector and improve interest in careers in social care
- To give care companies an opportunity to showcase what a great employer they are, and provide a benchmark of best practice for care recruiters in West Sussex
The scheme lists a range of potential ‘offers’ from care providers, each falling into one of four themes:
- Pay & Benefits
- Job Security & Flexibility
- Learning & Development
- Supported & Valued
Prospective applicants can compare employers’ offerings and find ones that align with their values and goals.
The scheme lists a range of potential ‘offers’ from care providers, each falling into one of four themes:
- Pay & Benefits
- Job Security & Flexibility
- Learning & Development
- Supported & Valued
The Bigger Picture in UK Care
- The social care sector is vast, employing over 1.5 million people – but currently faces around 100,000 vacancies. This gap, paired with an ageing population, underscores the demand for caring professionals.
- Average salaries are improving, with many roles now approaching or exceeding £28,962 and some falling between £31,000 – £35,999.
- Care roles are among the most flexible and AI-resistant, offering security and a meaningful way to work.
Busting Myths, Embracing Reality
Contrary to outdated stereotypes:
- The sector has diverse settings beyond elderly care, including day centres, supported living, and community centers.
- Career progression is real; many support workers move into management roles, supported by qualifications like NVQs and leadership diplomas.
- Care isn’t solely manual; it’s deeply relational and emotionally fulfilling, not just about physical tasks.