COULD you care for a career?
The pandemic has highlighted the vital contribution made by those who look after the elderly, vulnerable and disabled.
A new poll, from not-for-profit care provider Anchor Hanover, found 62 per cent of the public now have a higher opinion of these workers.
But there is still a huge staff shortage, with around 80,000 vacancies — including support roles such as cooks and cleaners, as well as HR and admin staff.
While many start on minimum wage, there is good job security and you can quickly climb to management level.
Chancellor Rishi Sunak has put up £17million to attract recruits.
He is funding more than 30,000 places on a Work Academies scheme offering training, work experience and guaranteed interviews.
Placements last up to six weeks and just under half of jobless young people who finish the scheme get a job.
Maria Bamford, of Anchor Hanover, said: “During these unprecedented times, many will be considering next career steps and how they can give back to society.
“Those who care for older people have one of the most valuable roles.
“You can make a living out of making a difference.”
- To apply for a job with AH, visit anchorhanover.org.uk/careers/make-a-difference
Career in care
JACK Oliver is a part-time drag artist with green hair and tattoos, and gave up a career as a make-up artist to become a carer.
Jack, 26, of St Neots, Cambs, was inspired to join Anchor Hanover after watching nurses look after a close relative.
Jack says: “I meet people from all walks of life.
“I love the residents, we’re an extended family.
“I stand out, with my bright hair, piercings and tattoos, but I’ve never experienced negative reactions from residents.
“The home is so inclusive.
“Anchor Hanover takes time to learn who we are as people.”
jobspot
CRG HOMECARE is hiring care assistants across the country.
For details, see crg.uk.com/homecare and email [email protected]
Retraining time
HOME care firm Cera has pledged to help those from industries hardest hit in the pandemic – by retraining up to 8,000 redundant airline, retail and hospitality workers.
It has immediate vacancies and believes these people have transferable skills.
Jobs will be full-time and permanent, and successful applicants can be selected, trained and deployed into frontline roles in as little as ten days.
Cera co-founder Dr Ben Maruthappu MBE says: “We’re seeing more and more job losses in the economy at large, while social care remains massively under-resourced.
“It’s vital we use this moment to widen the talent pool and offer opportunity to those who can strengthen the sector.”
- Apply at ceracare.co.uk/careers
Open your door
COULD you open up your home to someone needing support?
Shared Lives carers have people to stay for anything from overnight or a couple of days to weeks, months and even years – and you can earn up to £450 a week with tax breaks.
Former police sergeant Dave Evans and carer wife Ali signed up four years before he retired.
The couple, both 52, from Herefordshire, host two people with learning disabilities, full-time, and two who stay regularly.
He says: “It’s so rewarding seeing them grow and do things they never dreamed of.
“You may think you don’t have care skills but being human, compassionate and empowering others all go a long way.”
- See sharedlivesplus.org.uk/start-your-shared-life
jobspot
ALLIED Healthcare is taking on care staff up and down the land.
Call 0800 542 1895 or see [email protected] for details.
Top tips to get started
IF you like the sound of the work described on this page but are still unsure about how to get into it, we know just the person to help.
Here, Katy Salliss, manager of the care provider Audley Villages’ Willicombe Park site in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, shares her top tips for landing a job . . .
- VOLUNTEER: You will gain valuable experience, understand the challenges and expectations of the job and, best of all, see how rewarding it is to make someone smile and feel valued.
- RESEARCH THE JOB: Be it in residential care or the community, nursing or live-in care, all jobs have different requirements and working patterns. Find out what would suit you best and fit with your life outside work.
- SPEAK TO OTHER CARERS: Find out what an average day might look like, to give you an idea if it is right for you. They can also advise you on how to apply.
- BE PASSIONATE ABOUT CARE: Staff care deeply about the lives they touch, and in turn find the work hugely rewarding. Empathy, compassion and understanding are so important.
- BE PREPARED TO BE FLEXIBLE: Care is not a nine-to-five job. It can involve long days and you have to be open to last-minute changes to your schedule. Having an open mind, being flexible and prepared for all eventualities are all important traits for a successful career.
GOT a story? RING HOAR on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
Did you miss our previous article…
https://www.hellofaread.com/money/make-your-garden-a-relaxing-space-for-less-with-these-hot-offers/
