Skills for Working in the Health, Adult and Childcare Sectors - Level 1 Certificate

Healthcare Assistant

Healthcare assistants help with the day-to-day care of patients, either in hospitals or in patients’ own homes.

If you would like to care for people and make a positive difference to their lives, this could be the ideal job for you.

Employers will be keen to see that you have a friendly and caring attitude, and understand and respect people who need healthcare support.

Previous experience and/or qualifications in care will be helpful although you may be able to start as a trainee assistant without formal qualifications. You may also be able to get in to this career through an Apprenticeship scheme.

Childminder

If you love children and like the idea of working from home, this could be perfect for you. Childminders look after children in their own home, whilst the children's parents are at work or studying. They could look after babies and children under five during the day, or older children after school and in the school holidays.

You need to be aged at least 18 to become a childminder. You do not need any qualifications, but you do need to be registered with Ofsted before you can look after children under the age of eight.

To become a childminder, you will need to have patience and a sense of humour. You will also need to be aware of health, safety and hygiene. Knowledge of child protection issues is also important.

Children's Nurse

If you enjoy helping and caring for children, this job could be ideal for you. A children's nurse provides care for children and young people with a wide range of conditions.

As a children's nurse, you will need to have the ability to comfort, reassure and gain the trust of patients. You’ll need excellent communication and listening skills. You’ll also need the authority and confidence to deal with children or parents in stressful circumstances.

To work as a children's nurse, you will need a Nursing and Midwifery Council approved degree. You must also agree to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Social Work Assistant

If you want to help and support people in the community, this could be a great job for you. Social work assistants help qualified social workers. The clients you work with could be in the community, in hospitals and in other settings such as residential care homes.

Employers will usually consider experience to be more important than your qualifications. They may ask for a good standard of general secondary education. To be a social worker’s assistant you will need a practical and flexible approach to work. You will also need to be patient and understanding.

Care Assistant

If you enjoy helping people and want to make a difference to their lives, this job could be just what you are looking for.

As a care assistant you would help people who have difficulties with their daily activities. You could work with children, people with physical or learning disabilities, older people or families.

It would be useful if you had experience in a caring role. When you apply for a job you will need to pass background checks by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

A good care assistant has a friendly and caring approach and the ability to relate to people from a variety of backgrounds. Patience and a sense of humour are also important.