How to Start a Career in Health and Social Care With No Experience 

If you are considering how to get into care work with no experience, you’re in good circumstances as it is one of the most fulfilling roles in Britain. Because employers look for attributes such as empathy, patience, dependability and communication skills, as well as training and experience, care workers with no experience can be hired as a care worker. The National Careers Service says you can apply to some beginner level jobs in health care as an entry level healthcare worker and check with the employer to see if they will accept qualified people with the correct attitude, even if they don’t have care work experience.  

You can pursue this work as a school leaver, career changer, returning parent or even as a first job in the health care industry as an entry-level job in health care. If you’re an empathetic person who wants a long-term career in health and social care, you can learn how to get into care work with no experience, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF)   at South London College is one such option to get on the ladder of care and continue learning.   

A career in health and social care is a good choice.

And health and social care are not just a career. It’s the chance to make a difference, and to develop valuable skill for the workplace that UK employers will value. You could work with the elderly, people with disabilities, people with illnesses and disease, people recovering from injuries and accidents or support people to live more independently.  

Career in health and social care is a great career choice The National Careers Service highlights that a career as a senior care worker, supervisor, specialist carer or manager of care services could be the next step for people with experience as a care worker and who have undertaken training. Health care support assistants can also move on to careers as a nurse, radiographer, occupational therapist, social worker and many other potential careers.  

What jobs in entry level healthcare can you get without experience?

One of the biggest myths about care worker no experience jobs is that you must have a lot of experience in the industry. Most entry level jobs are meant to be care worker no experience jobs and is a learning experience.    

You could start with:  

Care Worker  

Care Assistant  

Support Worker  

Healthcare Assistant  

Residential Care Assistant  

Home Care Assistant  

The UK National Careers Service lists care worker as a job that can be gained through direct entry, volunteering, apprenticeships or college courses. It also reports that some organisations will develop some training for those with the right attitude and it’s possible to get in to care work with no experience jobs. Health care assistants can get into jobs via college, apprenticeships or “up the ladder” in an organisation.  

Character traits employers are seeking

If you are wondering “How to get a job in care with no experience?” look at what qualities’ employers want. At times it’s more about attitude and personality.

The UK National Careers Service identifies the below mentioned qualities and skills required for a career in health and social care: 

So, although you might not have a formal qualification in health and social care, you may already have some skills you can transfer from previous paid work in customer service, childcare, volunteering, hospitality, community service or care work for family members.  

Here’s how to get into care work with no experience

There are several options for a no experience care career. This will depend on your circumstances, confidence and your desired spread of paid work experience.  

Many care homes will recruit entry level healthcare workers with no experience and provide on the job training. This can also be the fastest path into the industry.  

 This will help with care home experience and for your CV. Volunteering can be beneficial, according to the National Careers Service.  

Taking a course can build your qualifications and provide you with safeguarding skills, communication, person-centred care and professional practice. At South London College, students who need more time to build academic and practical skills can study the Level 5 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Adult Care Leadership) – RQF  which can be studied by those who have completed Level 3 and 4 courses, and for those working at mid-levels of work with increased responsibilities.  

There are also apprenticeships available for those wanting to work in health care or social care. The National Careers Service lists examples of; Adult Care Worker Level 2, Healthcare Support Worker Level 2 and Lead Adult Care Worker Level 3. They are all available for study at South London college Adult Care Courses and Trainings.Adult Care Courses and Trainings | South London College.  

Let’s look at the Salaries in health and social care work in the United Kingdom

People dream of a job and ask, ” how to get into care work with no experience, or how to earn a living in care work with little experience”. Well, you can but it’s better to look at it as the first job.  

The National Careers Service explains:  

Care Workers earn between £20,000 and £25,000 a year  

Healthcare Assistants are paid at a rate of £24,000 to £27,000 a year  

Lead Care Workers can expect to earn £24,000 to £29,000 a year  

Care Home Managers can expect to earn £25,000 to £55,000 a year  

Consider starting in a junior job in a medical role and moving into a more specialised and better-paid job in social care.  

The importance of qualifications

 Step 1: Entry role  

 Work as a care worker, health care assistant or support worker. 

Step 2: Gain experience  

Gain skills in personal care, communication, record keeping, teamwork and safeguarding.  

Step 3: Add qualifications   

Get health and social care qualifications to boost your career prospects.  

Step 4: Progress to senior roles  

Progress into senior care worker, care supervisor or specialist roles.  

Step 5: Go further  

Develop your own expertise and take roles as a manager or leader, nurse or social worker.  

Consider South London College

 If you have been wondering how to get a job in care with no experience, remember you don’t need to have our qualifications. You can work in care in the UK if you are caring, responsible and willing to learn. You can begin working in care work with no experience, gain more experience and build a career in health and social care with many opportunities for advancement.  

Ready to begin? Check out South London College’s Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (RQF) to get some skills, experience and qualifications that might help you build a career in care.  

Contact Us

Call: +44 20 8126 0476   

WhatsApp: +44 7775 185348   

Email: inquiry@southlondoncollege.org  

FAQ

How do I gain experience in health care?  

Find entry-level jobs, volunteer, or go at it alone  

What’s the easiest job in health care?   

Care assistants, support workers or health care assistants.   

How can I get a job in care with no experience?  

Apply for beginners’ jobs, do some volunteering or take a course in health and social care. 

How do I get a job working for the NHS?  

Yes, there are some jobs in the NHS which train people.  

What jobs can I do in the NHS without qualifications?  

Health care assistant,porter,cleaner, admin.