Below are some of the different options that will enable you to build your knowledge, skills, and confidence to start you career in adult social care.
You can also visit the Question of Care website for an online quiz which gives you an idea of what the work is involves and whether you have the values needed for it.
Online Courses
There are a number of different learning providers offering courses to help you build your knowledge around adult social care.
Trafford College Distance Learning
Trafford College Distance Learning have a full online course programme focusing on health and social care which is free for those aged 19 and above and have lived in the UK for a minimum of 3 years. Check out their brochure via the link below, or contact them via email: distancelearning@tcg.ac.uk
The Training Brokers
Offers a range of courses relating to adult social care for people who are interested in working in the sector:
- Preparing to work in adult social care
- Level 2 Award in Dementia
- Level 2 certificate in Mental Health awareness
- Understanding dignity and safeguarding in adult social care
Courses are free to adults over the age of 19 who are unemployed or earning less that £17,500 a year. Visit their website via the link below, or contact them via email action@thetrainingbrokers.co.uk or call 0161 465 9844.
Standguide Group
Supporting people who are unemployed or those wanting to switch careers. Offer a range of courses relating to adult social care. To see a brochure of their courses click the link below, visit their website at www.standguide.co.uk or call 0161 881 4826.
Maximus Training
Offer free online courses for people over the age of 19, living in greater Manchester who are either not in education or employment or earning less than £17,500 a year. Courses relating to adult social care include:
- Safeguarding
- Equality and diversity
- Data protection
Contact them via the email link below, or call 07778138750.
Open Learn
Free learning from the Open University. Open Learn have a full catalogue of free online courses which include some courses relating to adult social care:
- Caring for adults
- Perspectives on Social Work: Individual Stories
- Modern slavery
SCIE (Social Care Institute for Excellence)
Offers a range of free and fee paying courses for those already working in the frontline of the sector. Free courses:
- An introduction to the mental health of older people
- Reablement
- Personalisation
- One page profiles
- Dementia awareness
The Growth Company
Offers an Access course: Access to Higher Education Diploma in Health and Social Care Professions.
If you are aged between 19-23 without a full level 3 qualification you will be eligible for full funding of the course.
Volunteering
Volunteering in adult social care gives you a taster of the work and helps you decide whether it is right for you. It can help build your confidence, whilst developing your skills and knowledge. You will also be making a difference to people’s lives and who knows, it may lead to a job interview and offer.
Thrive Trafford acts as a central hub which includes connecting people to opportunities. Please check their website for more details:
Pre-Employment Programmes
Pre-employment programmes have been developed for people not in employment or education. They offer an online training programme followed by a work experience opportunity which this may lead to a job interview and offer.
Step Into Care offers an entry level work based education programme aimed at people currently out of work and education and who are interested in pursuing a career in adult social care.
- Are you interested in working in social care but would like to find out exactly what’s involved before you apply?
- Are you currently unemployed/ on a low income and living in Greater Manchester?
- ‘Step into Care’ are looking for people with the right values and transferable skills to begin their social care career
‘Step into Care’ can provide you with:
- Training that gives you an introduction to working in social care, covering essential skills and knowledge
- A working interview with a reputable social care employer keen to welcome you into their team
- A full funded DBS and support to match you with the right vacancy
What is ‘Step into Care’?
Training, a fully funded DBS and a working interview for a live job in Adult Social Care (Residential care, Supported Living or Homecare opportunities available- client groups include; elderly, learning disabilities, mental health)
85% of candidates who complete a ‘Step into Care’ working interview go into a paid job in adult social care.
Who can join?
- 19+
- Unemployed or on a low income (under £19,305)
- Right to work in the UK
- Able to commit to a 5 week training course via zoom
What’s involved?
- 5 weeks online training over zoom and CANVA
- 24 hr work placement/ working interview
- A job in care for those successful on placement
Click on the links below for more information:
Education
For information regarding further education and higher education options see our In Education page.
If you want to gain qualifications in Maths and English, Trafford College have courses available:
English, Maths & ESOL – Trafford College
Standguide offer functional skills Level 2 Maths and English:
Recruitment
You may already have the skills and experience to apply for job vacancies. Please check out the information on this site about different social care roles and our dedicated job vacancies page.