Training and learning

You can work towards most social care qualifications once you start your role, as they're specific to the job you're doing and the skills you need to do it. 

When you start a job in adult social care you'll get a thorough induction. For most care worker roles this includes the Care Certificate. This is a set of standards that everyone needs to meet to do their role. It ensures workers have the same induction - learning the same skills, knowledge and behaviours to provide compassionate, safe and high-quality care and support. 

Your employer should also ensure you have mandatory training relevant to your role. For example, fire safety, moving and handling and first aid. 

How can you progress?  

Progressing in your career is partly your responsibility and partly your employer's. You'll be more likely to progress in your career if you gain qualifications and training relevant to your role. 

Qualifications 

There are more than 50 vocational qualifications at different levels in social care. Your employer might pay for qualifications, or you could apply for a government-backed Advanced Learner Loan or postgraduate loan. These loans would help with affordability if you decide to pay for it yourself.  

Apprenticeships are also available for new and existing staff of any age.  

The level of the qualification you do might be lower than an academic qualification you already hold. This is because they are vocational qualifications, which teach you the practical knowledge and skills you need for the role. 

Training 

You could attend a day's training session in your workplace or online learning to help you progress. This doesn't have to have accreditation but should be relevant to the requirements of the job. 

In Norfolk, there are several options for adult social care training workshops and courses.

Norfolk Care Careers 

Offers a programme of fully-funded workshops providing initial skills development and further information about working in the social care sector.  

Sessions include: 

• Progression pathways 
• Building workplace confidence 
• Person-centred and holistic care 
• Record keeping 

Search for upcoming workshops at Evolutive.

Norfolk & Suffolk Care Support 

Publicises a range of courses and workshops of interest to the local care sector.  You can also search for courses through one of their approved training providers. 

Search learning and development on Norfolk and Suffolk Care Support's website.

Further training opportunities 

For more details of training and development opportunities, see Skills and development for care professionals on Norfolk County Council's website.