If you are new to health and social care your employer will support you through an induction programme which will lead to a Care Certificate and probably a level 2 qualification.

If you are more experienced or work in a specialist/senior role, you may want to do a level 3 qualification.

If you already have a level 3 qualification there are still lots of opportunities to undertake specialist training or management options.

For those wanting to develop management skills there are three pathways available on the level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care or degree programme.

The following local colleges are currently involved with Proud to Care Somerset:

  • Richard Huish College offers a variety of qualifications in Care ranging from level 2 Care to level 5 management, and distance learning level 2 CPD courses.  Apprenticeship funding is available for levels 2 and 3 in Care and stand alone diplomas; levels 2,3, 4 and 5 can be funded privately or through an advanced learner loan.  Funding is available for some of the distance learning CPD Courses.
  • Bridgwater and Taunton College
  • Yeovil College

The colleges offer a number of opportunities to support career progression in social care.   They include access courses, apprenticeships, degrees, a pilot nursing associate programme (Bridgwater and Taunton College), distance learning (Richard Huish College) and ‘prepare to care’ courses (Yeovil College).

For more information on education please visit gov.uk

To help you understand what qualification would be right for you or your work setting, visit Skills for Care.

For all degree programmes, visit UCAS.