Careers in Social Care – Canterbury College

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Date: Tuesday, 11th March
Location: EKC’s Canterbury College
Organised by: LSIP Team
Supported by: Kent County Council’s Social Care Workforce Team, Skills for Care, The Kent & Medway Careers Hub

Introduction

On 11th March, the LSIP Team hosted a Careers in Social Care event at EKC’s Canterbury College. Designed to showcase the broad range of careers within the social care sector, the event brought together students studying Health & Social Care and young Care Leavers to explore the rewarding and diverse opportunities available in this field. Given the increasing demand for compassionate and skilled professionals, the event aimed to inspire attendees to consider careers in social care while highlighting the vital role the sector plays in supporting individuals and communities.

Event Highlights

Inspirational Talks from Industry Experts

The event commenced with engaging presentations from industry leaders who shared their personal journeys and insights into career development in social care:

• Nikki Back (Optima Care) shared her experience navigating different roles in residential, supported living, and transition services for school leavers and adults.
• Samantha Russell (Kent County Council) detailed her journey toward becoming a Social Worker, fulfilling a lifelong ambition.

Sector Insights from Social Care Professionals

A range of social care providers participated, offering students valuable information about key career paths, including:

• Local Authority representatives discussing roles in community-based care.
• Professionals from Residential Care Homes, Supported Living, and Home Care, showcasing pathways to becoming Occupational Therapists and Social Workers.
• Insights into how technology is transforming the sector, improving independence and quality of life for individuals facing challenges.

Interactive Career Exploration: ‘Speed Dating’ Format

A distinctive feature of the event was its ‘Speed Dating’ career talks, where students rotated through multiple discussions with industry professionals. This format allowed for immersive engagement, helping attendees gain a deeper understanding of career options and the real-world impact of working in social care.

Introducing Emerging Careers

Attendees were introduced to an evolving role in social care: the Nursing Associate. This position serves as a critical link between support workers and registered nurses, offering a unique opportunity for career progression within health and social care.

Acknowledgements

The success of the event was made possible through the support of sector leaders, including:

• Penny Lawlor, External Care Workforce Development Manager, Kent County Council
• Pia Rathje-Burton, Locality Manager, Skills for Care

Their contributions ensured an engaging and informative experience for all participants.

Conclusion

The Careers in Social Care event provided invaluable insights into the breadth of opportunities within the sector. Through industry-led discussions, practical career exploration, and interactive sessions, students gained firsthand knowledge of the pathways available. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, events such as these play a crucial role in shaping the future workforce in social care.

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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