Are you passionate about supporting others and making a meaningful difference in people’s lives? A career in care services could be the perfect path for you. Our specialised social care courses are designed to equip you with the knowledge, practical skills, and confidence needed to succeed in this rewarding sector.
Train in our cutting-edge £7 million Immersive Health and Social Care Education Suite, where simulation-based learning brings real-world care scenarios to life. Whether you’re supporting older adults, helping individuals with disabilities live independently or empowering vulnerable people within their communities, you’ll play a vital role in improving quality of life and promoting wellbeing.
Join a diverse and growing sector full of opportunities, from residential and domiciliary care to community support services, local authorities, charities, and specialist care organisations. A career in social care offers the chance to make a lasting impact every day while developing valuable skills and progressing in a highly rewarding profession.
Social Care Pathways Explained
Social Care Worker
Social care workers make a real difference in people’s lives, helping them live more independently, safely, and happily. This could mean assisting with personal care, supporting someone with learning difficulties, or working with families who need extra help. It’s a career that calls for patience, empathy, and a genuine desire to support others.
Once you’re qualified, you could take on roles such as:
- Care Worker/Support Worker – Help people with everyday tasks, either in their homes or in care settings.
- Residential Support Worker – Provide care and support for children or adults living in care homes.
- Social Work Assistant – Assist social workers with casework and supporting clients.
Mental Health
Mental health social care workers play a vital role in supporting people with conditions like anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. They help individuals manage everyday life, access essential services, and stay connected to their communities. Support can include emotional guidance, help with housing or benefits, and working closely with healthcare professionals.
Once qualified, you could work in roles such as:
- Mental Health Support Worker – Help people manage their mental health and live independently.
- Residential Support Worker – Support individuals living in supported housing or care homes.
- Community Outreach Worker – Connect people with services and help them stay involved in their community.
- Substance Misuse Worker – Support individuals dealing with drug or alcohol issues.
- Social Work Assistant – Work alongside social workers to support people with complex needs.
Family Support Worker
Family support workers help families through challenging times, whether they’re dealing with housing issues, money problems, parenting struggles, or health concerns. They work closely with both parents and children, offering emotional support, practical advice, and help accessing services like education, healthcare, and social care.
Once you’re qualified, you could work in roles such as:
- Family Support Worker – Help families access services and improve their wellbeing.
- Early Help Practitioner – Support families early on, before problems become more serious.
- Youth Support Worker – Work with young people facing personal, social, or educational challenges.
- Social Work Assistant – Assist social workers with casework and family support.
- Parenting Advisor/Outreach Worker – Offer guidance and support to parents in the community.
Study in our cutting-edge “mini-hospital”
Our Health and Social Care Academy features state of the art educational and healthcare equipment, enabling an innovative, interactive, and hands-on approach to teaching and learning.
Key features include:
- A&E Resus Room and 5-bed ward
- Immersive Suite, that transforms into various real-life settings
- Clinical suite
- Maternity unit, complete with a pregnant manikin and newborn simulator
- Community/Self-contained flat, adaptable to various environments
- Mental Health Ward, equipped with anti-ligature fixtures
- Debrief and Conference Room, a professional space to participate in discussions
Care Services courses
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions) (Day) – Level 3
Health & Social Care
Adult Learner
|
1 year
Skills and Education Group Access
|
Age Group:
(19+)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions) (Distance Learning) – Level 3
Health & Social Care
Adult Learner
|
1 year
Skills and Education Group Access
|
Age Group:
(19+)
Access to Higher Education Diploma (Health Science Professions) (Evening) – Level 3
Health & Social Care
Adult Learner
|
1 year
Skills and Education Group Access
|
Age Group:
(19+)
BSc (Hons) Health, Wellbeing and Social Care (Top-up) – Full Time – Level 6
Health & Social Care
Higher Education
|
1 year
The Open University
Certificate in Higher Education in Health, Wellbeing and Social Care – Full Time – Level 4
Health & Social Care
Higher Education
|
1 year
The Open University
CG L3 TOE Dip Professional Practice for Dental Nurses
Health & Social Care
Adult Learner
|
18 months
City & Guilds
|
Age Group:
(19+)
Dental Nursing Apprenticeship – Level 3
Health & Social Care
Apprenticeship
|
18 months
City and Guilds
Diploma Introduction to Health and Social Care – Level 1
Health & Social Care
School Leaver
|
1 year
NCFE CACHE
|
Age Group:
(16-18)
Fd Health, Wellbeing and Social Care – Full Time – Level 5
Health & Social Care
Higher Education
|
2 years
The Open University
Where your course can lead
“The health ward facilities have been great, especially the maternity suite where there is a mannequin to practice delivering babies. Within the course, we’ve learned about person-centred care, safeguarding, and how to treat people with varying needs; this has greatly helped with my work placement, and we utilised these skills in our practical sessions at college.”
Freya Hollinshead
Employers we work with
