Careers in Social Care – Canterbury College

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The LSIP Team hosted a Careers in Social Care Event at EKC’s Canterbury College on Tuesday 11th March, supported by Kent County Council’s Social Care Workforce Team, Skills for Care and The Kent & Medway Careers Hub.

Students studying Health & Social Care and young Care Leavers were invited to attend this event which was designed to showcase the myriad of careers in social care. With an ever-growing demand for compassionate and skilled professionals in this vital sector it is important young people understand that there are so many diverse and rewarding opportunities.

The event commenced with inspiring presentations from industry experts who shared their personal journeys and insights into the diverse career paths within social care. Nikki Back from Optima Care, which offers residential, supported living, and transition services for school leavers and adults, shared her “Journey into Care.” Samantha Russell from Kent County Council also spoke, recounting how her career pathway ultimately led her to fulfil her dream of becoming a Social Worker.

We extend our gratitude to the social care providers and speakers whose contributions made the event a success. Representatives from our Local Authority, Residential Care Homes, Supported Living, and Home Care shared valuable insights into their organisations and the pathways to professions such as Occupational Therapy and Social Work. Attendees also learnt how technology has revolutionised the social care sector and significantly improved the lives and independence of those facing challenges.

The sessions were conducted in an engaging ‘Speed Dating’ format, allowing young people to participate in a carousel of simultaneous career talks. This approach provided them with an immersive exploration of the diverse roles and opportunities available in social care.

The group was also introduced to an emerging role in social care: the Nursing Associate. This position serves as a vital link between support workers and registered nurses, and attendees learned about the pathways available to pursue this rewarding career.

Huge thanks to Penny Lawlor, External Care Workforce Development Manager at Kent County Council and Pia Rathje-Burton, Locality Manager at Skills for Care for their support in staging this event.

Event Resources

Further information on careers in Social Care can be found on the Skills for Care website here.

‘A Question of Care: A career for you’ is an online, interactive video quiz based on real life scenarios from the social care sector. At the end of the quiz it provides a detailed personal profile that tells people whether they have what it takes to work in social care.  Take the quiz here.

Work in Adult Social Care: Explore roles and find a job in your local area

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