In this guide, we’ll be exploring which certifications and specialist training can help you maximise your earnings as a carer in the UK – helping to propel your career forward and deepen your expertise.
The care sector in the UK has an ever-increasing demand for skilled care workers, and while many areas of social care are financially strained, there are opportunities for care workers to increase their earnings and career progression through training.
Do you Need Certifications When Working in the Care Sector?
There are no specific qualifications that all care workers in the UK need as a mandatory requirement – but the vast majority of employers will expect to see at least some sort of qualification to show that you can do the job.
This may include:
- A Care Certification (made up of the 15 minimum standards that should be covered if you are ‘new to care’)
- An NVQ in Health and Social care, or an equivalent qualification
Valuable Certifications
While the below qualifications aren’t mandatory, having any one of the following certifications will arm you with more knowledge and skill as a worker, therefore increasing your chances of finding employment at a higher pay grade.
If you’re a self-employed carer, these qualifications are also very effective. Some of these certifications will be expected as standard – while training a higher-level qualification can help boost your chances of entering the workforce at a higher grade.
- Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care
- Level 2 Diploma in Care
- T Level in Health
- NVQ in Health and Safety, Levels 2 and 3
- Courses such as Care Assistant/Support Worker or Health and Social Care
- First aid training
- Food hygiene
- Health and safety certificates
Self Employed Carer Insurance
Cover available for:
- Public Liability up to £5m
- Loss or Damage to Property
- Accidental Injury & Legal Expenses
- No Hidden Fees, No Excess
Training Programs and Their Benefits
In addition to certifications, there are also a number of in-person and online training programmes that care workers can take advantage of.
These can be week or even months long courses to develop your knowledge and skills, or a programme you complete over a weekend to enhance your expertise in a certain area.
For example, training in a specialist subject, like dementia care or palliative care, can also mean a higher hourly rate due to the higher demand for specialist care workers in these areas.
Funding and Support for Training
On 30th July 2024, the new government decided that the Adult Social Care Training and Development Fund proposed by the last Government would not be continued. You can read their full statement on the matter here.
However, they have confirmed that funding for Adult Social Care Learning and Development will be provided at the same level budgeted for last year – but further information has not yet been shared. We will endeavour to update this page as soon as more information is made publicly available.
Steps to Get Started
If you currently work as a carer in the UK, one of the best ways to start levelling up your qualifications is to have a discussion with your line manager. Express a desire for more career progression, and find out what areas of specialist training would be most valued.
You may even be able to sign up for some of the training courses above funded by your employer if there’s enough of a demand for it.
Balancing Work, Training, and An Outside Life Balance
Being a care worker is already an incredibly demanding job, and you may be struggling to see just how you’ll fit the additional element of training into your life.
If you are completing a qualification with the support of your employer, you may be able to request a reduced hours arrangement while you complete your training. Other courses may be hosted at weekends only, so you may be able to adjust your shifts to fit around this time.
Remember, doing the training is temporary – but can have long-reaching benefits for your career, so may be worth it in the long run.
