A Comprehensive Guide to Health and Social Care Training

April 23, 2024

In this post

Introduction

Trained health and social care workers are essential in caring for people of all ages and supporting their health and well-being. They provide various types of care and support, from providing preventive care and looking after people after illness or injury to caring for terminally ill people and their families.

The health and social care sector is extensive. According to the Department of Health and Social Care, in England alone, more than 1.2 million full-time equivalent staff work in NHS trusts. In the adult social care sector, in 2022/23, there were an estimated 1.635 million filled posts and 152,000 vacant posts (Skills for Care). All these staff working in this sector will have undertaken health and social care training.

Health and social care training is important as the population is becoming increasingly diverse, and more people have complex health conditions and comorbidities, so understanding these is key. Training also helps those working in the sector to comply with legal and regulatory requirements and develop their knowledge and skills to provide the best possible and safest care.

There is a growing demand for health and social care services due to an ageing population and a rise in long-term health conditions. Therefore, there will also be a requirement for additional staff, and there is already a shortage. In December 2022, a debate was held in the House of Lords that recognised the shortage and highlighted that the number of vacancies in the adult social care sector has increased in recent years.

It has never been a better time to consider a health and social care job, and training is a fundamental aspect of this journey. This blog aims to provide a comprehensive guide to individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their health and social care careers.

Health and social care are often an umbrella term, but there are differences between the two, as they aim to meet different needs, for example:

Healthcare – is provided to people with an injury, illness, disease or disability, and it can involve prevention, treatment, control, care and aftercare. People typically access healthcare for free through the NHS, but some may go privately to other healthcare providers or access services through charities. Healthcare settings include NHS or private hospitals, GP surgeries, clinics, community settings, hospices, etc.

Social care – is focused on providing help and support to individuals with physical and/or mental health, social or emotional issues so they can be as independent as possible and have a good quality of life. It can include providing personal care, help with everyday activities and socialisation, counselling and protecting those classed as vulnerable. Local authorities typically provide social care and may charge for services. Social care settings can include:

People’s own homes (community care).
Care homes.
Nursing homes.
Supported housing.
Day centres.

Mind has further information on the differences.

Health and social care is significant in communities, as it:

Aims to address health disparities and inequalities and ensure everyone can access the services and help they need, particularly marginalised and vulnerable people who may face barriers when accessing traditional health and social care. It also provides targeted care and support for those needing it the most.
Has a fundamental role in preventing injuries and ill health through education and encouraging lifestyle changes to reduce people’s need to access services. It also helps people to manage their long-term conditions.
Empowers people to take control of their own health and make informed decisions regarding their care.
Enables people to be active participants in their community, which is vital for social cohesion and people’s health and well-being.

Health and social care workers provide specific services to people and support their physical, mental, and social needs. They may care for people of all ages or specialise in age groups, such as babies, children or older people. Their role is crucial in promoting people’s health and well-being, as they help to provide compassionate and person-centred care and support to service users and their families and caregivers. They contribute to improving people’s lives and a healthier and happier society.

All jobs require some training. In health and social care, the type of training you will need to undertake will depend on the role, setting and employer. Whether you are at the start of your career, looking for a new role, changing jobs or advancing your career will also influence the type and level of training you need. Various types of training are available, including formal education, vocational courses, apprenticeships and on-the-job training.

Formal education (academic)

This type of training is typically taught in the education system, e.g. school, college and university, and are known as qualifications. There are various types of qualifications, such as:

GCSEs – students typically do their GCSEs during secondary education in England, Northern Ireland and Wales (National 5s in Scotland). However, there are options to do GCSEs later in life. Having some GCSEs or equivalent is useful for a job in health and social care, especially science, English and maths, and there is also one in health and social care.
AS Levels and A Levels – students will usually undertake these qualifications after receiving their GCSEs or equivalent. AS Levels take one year, and A Levels take two. An example of a course would be AS Level or A Level Health & Social Care. Having some A Levels, especially in science, is advisable if you want to do a degree.
Undergraduate degrees – these are undertaken at a university and usually require students to have some A Levels or equivalent. They typically take three years full-time, depending on the course and study mode. An example of a course would be a BSc (Hons) Degree in Health and Social Care. Regulated professions, e.g. nursing, will typically require a specific degree.
Postgraduate degrees – students also study these courses at university and will mostly need a relevant undergraduate degree. They can take 1-2 years, depending on the course. An example of a course would be MSc Health and Social Care Leadership and Management.

Vocational courses

This type of training aims to provide the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare students for a specific trade or career. The courses range from entry-level to level 8 (level 11 in Scotland). Some examples include:

Awards, certificates and diplomas – some colleges and online providers offer these options. Some levels will be knowledge-only qualifications, and others may require students to be in a placement and do coursework. An example of a knowledge course would be the CACHE Level 2 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care.
BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council) – these are work-related and career-focused (level 1 to 7) qualifications. Students will often study full-time. An example of a course would be Health and Social Care BTEC Level 3. Pearson has further information on this.
T Levels – are relatively new and are an alternative to an A Level. They are more technical based, and colleges usually offer them as a level 3 course. An example of a course would be T Level in Health, equivalent to three A Levels.
National vocational qualifications (NVQ) – is practical work-based training students can undertake at school, college or workplace. SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications) are available in Scotland and are similar to NVQs. The regulatory framework that supported NVQs was replaced by the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), but the term ‘NVQ’ is still in use. An example of a course would be RQF Level 2 in health and social care.

Further information on what qualification levels mean is on GOV.UK.

Apprenticeships

This type of training involves gaining qualifications while working, such as academic, technical, vocational and functional. There are four apprenticeship levels:

Intermediate (level 2) – equivalent to five good GCSE passes.
Advanced (level 3) – equivalent to two A-level passes.
Higher (level 4 or 5) – equivalent to the first stages of higher education, such as a foundation degree.
Degree (level 6 or 7) – comparable to a Bachelors or Masters degree.

The time it takes to complete an apprenticeship will depend on the level, e.g. a degree apprenticeship can take 3-6 years. Further information on apprenticeships is on:

On-the-job training

Workers undertake on-the-job training when they are actually in their job, and they learn essential knowledge and skills in their working environment rather than in an external setting. They will complete various practical tasks and are mentored by experienced colleagues, supervisors or managers.

On-the-job training can include induction training when first starting with a company. If working in social care, you will likely need to complete the Care Certificate when starting with a care company. It can also include refresher training, internships and shadowing an experienced colleague.

Differences between entry-level training and advanced specialisations

Entry-level training gives students new to the sector a foundation to build their knowledge and skills. It provides them with core knowledge, introductory skills and general employability skills. For example, an introduction to health and social care course or a level 1 could lead to a role as a care worker.

As people learn and progress, they may choose to undertake training in advanced specialisations to develop competency. For example, a care worker may undertake training in dementia care to work specifically with those with the syndrome, or a nurse may choose to specialise in mental health nursing. They may also take a higher level course, which will typically cover more areas in further detail, will take longer to complete and will be a more difficult qualification, e.g. a care worker who wants to be a manager may want to do a care home management course.

Continuing professional development (CPD)

Health and social care workers must be competent to carry out their roles and responsibilities. Also, health and social care standards, technology, treatments and laws are updated regularly, which is why they must undertake continuing professional development (CPD). It is also important for the following reasons:

It gives workers the knowledge and skills to keep up to date with any changes and understand their responsibilities.
It helps workers keep ahead of the latest developments and changes in legislation to remain legally compliant and ensure they carry out their roles effectively and safely.
It helps them develop their knowledge and skills to provide high-quality care and support.
It helps them to achieve their career goals and move into more advanced or specialist positions.
It is mandatory for registration with regulatory bodies, e.g. nursing, social work and therapists. Workers must demonstrate they have completed a certain number of hours of CPD to remain registered.

CPD can include various activities, such as work-based learning, self-directed learning, undertaking courses, research and professional activities. Each health and social care role will have its own CPD requirements.

Key Skills and Competencies

Health and social care workers must have the right skills and competencies to provide service users with high-quality care and support. The skills and competencies needed will depend on the employer, role and responsibilities. Apart from being passionate about helping people, here are some examples of the skills you may need :

Active listening – involves listening intently to what people have to say, giving them your full attention without judgment and demonstrating understanding. Active listening and empathy go hand-in-hand in effective communication. For example, a worker may be caring for someone at the end of life and must listen to their and their family’s concerns and wishes.
Communication – is one of the most important skills in any job, especially in health and social care. Those working in the sector will deal with service users and their families/caregivers, colleagues, professionals and others. Therefore, they must be able to express and receive information via various means, such as verbal, written, visual and non-verbal.
Cultural competence – also known as culturally appropriate care. It requires those working with people to be sensitive to people’s cultural identity or heritage. The UK is diverse, and people from various backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures will access health and social care services. They will all have individual needs and wishes, and those working in the sector must be aware of these to provide person-centred care.
Emotional intelligence and resilience – health and social care workers will face various emotional demands. They will see people upset and distressed and need to cope with stress, challenges and setbacks while remaining positive. They will also need to be caring, compassionate and empathetic.
Empathy – is the ability to see things from other people’s perspectives, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, being aware of their emotions, and trying to understand what they are going through and their feelings. When people use health and social care services, they will have various issues, some of which can be distressing for them and their families.
Patience – being patient and calm during stressful situations and when under pressure is essential. Some service users and their families can be challenging, and health and social care workers must remain patient and professional.
Problem-solving – health and social care is extremely demanding. There will be many challenges and unexpected situations to handle. Therefore, being able to solve various problems is key. For example, a care worker may have a resident who won’t take their medication, and they will need to find a way to get them to take it.
Teamwork – working in health and social care requires working in an interdisciplinary team with various colleagues and professionals. The ability to work in a team and collaborate with others is essential to coordinate care and ensure the best outcomes for service users. It may require sharing information, delegating tasks and coordinating schedules.
Time management – jobs tend to be fast-paced with high workloads, and health and social care workers face various demands, requiring them to prioritise, multitask and manage their time effectively.

Transferable core skills, e.g. English, digital, number and employability, are also crucial if you want a role in health and social care. Skills for Care has further information and examples of applying these skills to real-life scenarios.

As a health and social care worker, you will also need certain competencies to be successful, depending on your exact role. You may need to demonstrate competencies in infection prevention and control, safeguarding, health and safety, first aid, food safety, care planning, data protection and the 6Cs in care. You may also have specific occupational competency requirements, e.g. company policies and procedures.

Training Providers and Accreditation

Numerous companies and individuals offer health and social care training courses which vary in content, length and quality. It is important to choose regulated providers who offer accredited courses, as it looks more professional to employers and will increase the chances of a successful application and interview.

Regulatory bodies have a crucial role. They ensure compliance with specific professional standards and guidelines and oversee various aspects of training. When a training provider is regulated, it means they have met the standards of the regulatory body, and the body has checked the quality of the courses to ensure they impart the necessary knowledge and skills.

The main regulatory bodies for training in the UK include:

Some jobs require registration with a specific regulatory body, which requires specific qualifications and training (approved programmes). Here are some examples of regulatory bodies that regulate professions:

Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) – regulate nurses, midwives and nursing associates who must undertake specific qualifications and register before practising.

Social Work England – regulates social workers. There are different regulators for each UK country, for example:

Northern Ireland – Northern Ireland Social Care Council.
Scotland – Scottish Social Services Council.
Wales – Social Care Wales.

Health and Care Professions Council – regulates various health and care professionals, e.g. therapists, paramedics and scientists.

Accreditation also ensures quality training. It informs you that the course has met the specific standards of a professional body, giving you the confidence that their training has been through quality assurance processes. It can improve your job prospects, as choosing an accredited course demonstrates your commitment to the health and social care sector and benefits your entire career.

If you are looking at a role that requires you to register with a regulatory body, you must choose a training course they have approved. For example, to be a social worker in England, you must complete an approved degree, detailed on their website. Some roles do not require specific qualifications or registration, e.g. a care worker. However, it is still wise to undertake some health and social care training from reputable training providers and institutions offering courses. Here are some examples:

The Open University – offers various health and social care courses, such as degrees, diplomas and certificates.
Skills for Care endorsed providers – the independent charity Skills for Care has a search facility where you can search for courses that they have endorsed.
Online Learning College – our health and social care training courses are regulated by Ofqual and are NFCE Cache or TQUK accredited.
CPD Online College – has numerous CPD care courses, including those endorsed by Skills for Care and CPD Certified.
UCAS – has a search engine to help you find college and university health and social care courses.

Here are some tips for evaluating training programs and selecting the most suitable option:

Look for course providers who are regulated, registered and accredited, as this will indicate they have complied with relevant standards.
Identify your goals, write them down and see if courses align. Is this a new career venture or career progression? It can be helpful to look through several job advertisements to find out what qualifications they are looking for.
Read course descriptions, syllabuses and learning outcomes to see what interests you and if they match your learning and career goals.
Assess the course delivery and format to see if it would suit your learning style. You may prefer courses delivered via webinars, self-paced or interactive.
Look at the course duration and study mode. Do you want to study full-time or part-time? Can you commit to the number of study hours and course length?
Check out reviews and testimonials from past and present students, as they can provide insights into the course’s quality and effectiveness.

Career Pathways and Opportunities

There are many career options for those looking at entering the health and social care sector, and far too many roles to mention here. Some examples of roles can include:

Care worker – also known as a care assistant. They can work in client’s homes or care homes. Their role is to help vulnerable people with everyday activities, such as washing, dressing and eating, and supporting them to live as independently and comfortably as possible.
Nurse – is a trained and registered individual who cares for and treats patients with various injuries, illnesses, diseases and disabilities. They predominately work in healthcare settings, such as hospitals, GP surgeries, hospices, care homes, and even patients’ homes. They can also work in a control room and provide advice over the telephone. There are many different nursing roles, including an adult nurse, children’s nurse, learning disability nurse and mental health nurse.
Social worker – provides support to vulnerable adults and their families, protects them from abuse and harm and helps them to live as independently as possible. They also assist them with finding solutions to their problems and support them through difficult times.
Support worker – offers various types of support for vulnerable people, and there are different specialist roles within this group, e.g. mental health, autism, therapeutic, community, healthcare, family, etc. They help vulnerable people live more independently, teach them skills and provide individualised support to empower them to take control of their lives.
Therapist – is a trained professional who provides treatment and rehabilitation to patients and clients. There are numerous types of therapists, such as occupational therapists, counsellors, psychotherapists, For example, an occupational therapist helps those with various difficulties because of physical or mental illnesses and disabilities, long-term conditions, ageing, accidents and trauma.

There are also support roles, e.g. administrator, assistive technology, cook, employment advisor and welfare rights officer. It may be worth looking at these initially and training on the job for a more hands-on care and support role once you are in the sector. Further information on the roles available is on:

There are plenty of opportunities for career progression and specialisation within the health and social care sector and numerous roles from which to choose. With the right qualifications and experience, you can advance in this rewarding field. You could start your career as a care worker and then progress to a team leader or supervisor role. With more experience and training, you could become a care home manager. There are also opportunities to work in specific settings, such as care homes, nursing homes and the community, and areas in which to specialise, e.g. dementia care and working with children, older people or those with disabilities.

As well as career progression and specialisation opportunities, the health and social care industry is continuing to evolve and grow, e.g.:

Technology is advancing at a staggering rate, especially artificial intelligence (AI). The King’s Fund has further information on these developments. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been an increase in technology-enabled care services, which includes telehealth, telecare, telemedicine, telecoaching and self-care, where patients can access healthcare remotely.
There has been a significant increase in people living with major illnesses. According to the Health Foundation, 9.1 million people in England are projected to be living with major illness by 2040, an increase of 2.5 million people compared to 2019. Therefore, there is a shift in focus to preventive healthcare at the population level, which includes health promotions and education, effective management of chronic conditions and early disease detection.
There is an increasing emphasis on providing care and support in communities, e.g. community clinics and health visits, to enable service users to remain at home and be independent for as long as possible. It also reduces hospital admissions and increases accessibility.
The need for person-centred and holistic care is becoming increasingly important with a diverse population with unique needs. It is putting people at the centre of their care, ensuring it meets their physical, psychological, emotional, social and spiritual needs and empowering them to become active partners in their care and support.

The above demonstrates that those looking at a health and social care career must be committed to regular training and ongoing learning and development, especially in new digital technologies.

Practical Tips for Success

Congratulations! You have decided on a health and social care training course and have successfully enrolled, and now it is time to start your learning journey. Here are some tips for embarking on your health and social care training:

Read through the qualification specification – this will provide you with all the information you need to understand what the course entails and what is expected of you as a student.
Review learning outcomes – these form the basis of assessment and identify the specific knowledge and skills you should gain at the end of the course. Understanding the learning outcomes will help you focus and plan.
Manage your workload – have a good study plan and keep on top of your workload. There are numerous study planners and apps that can help. It is vital to be organised, set learning goals and break down topics into smaller and manageable chunks. Remember to factor in regular breaks and leisure time.
Collaborate with others – some training providers may have forums where students can come together and discuss topics, share tips and help each other in their studies. There are also other forums, such as The Student Room, and groups on social media.
Use available resources – there are numerous resources online, and those relevant will depend on your chosen course. There are YouTube videos, but their quality can vary. Also, look for textbooks and study guides on your specific course.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions – ask the course provider questions if there is anything you are unsure of or have any concerns. Course support is there to help you through your studies

Regardless of what health and social care role you may get or are currently in, it is vital to manage stress. The sector is renowned for being demanding, challenging and stressful, so there is a risk of mental and physical health impacts, burnout and compassion fatigue. It is crucial to develop resilience and good habits early, even when starting your health and social care journey, which will help you manage stress throughout your career. Here are some strategies for managing stress:

Time management

Maintain a healthy work-life balance and have interests and hobbies outside of work.
Every task may seem a priority in a healthcare environment, but are they? Assess work activities, eliminate unnecessary tasks and prioritise more important ones.
Have realistic expectations on what you can accomplish at work and be aware of your own limitations.
Provide service users with the tools to look after their own well-being rather than trying to take responsibility for them.
Do not be afraid to ask for help and support from family, friends and colleagues.
Undertake time management training, as it may help you to improve in organising workload and managing time.

Self-care

Recognise the signs and symptoms of compassion fatigue, stress and burnout to take the necessary actions.
Make time for hobbies and activities you enjoy.
Look after your physical, mental and emotional well-being, e.g.:
Try relaxation techniques and activities, e.g. mindfulness, meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, etc.
Eat healthily, drink plenty of water, exercise, reduce alcohol intake, etc.
Learn to say no to get a decent work-life balance.
Have regular breaks and time off.
Attend therapy if needed.
Being kind to yourself.

Speak to your manager, ask for help and seek additional support, e.g. from employee assistance programmes or therapists, if you are struggling with stress at work.

Further information, support and guidance:

CPD Online College Knowledge Hub.
Department of Health and Social Care.
Health and Care Learning Wales Resources.
Online Learning College – Care Knowledge Hub.
NICE Communities social care trainers’ resource (can still be useful for students).
Royal College of Nursing RCN Learn (requires free registration).
Skills for Care.
Skills for Health Info Hub.
Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE).
The King’s Fund.
University of Bolton Library useful websites.

Case Studies and Success Stories

There have been inspiring case studies and success stories of individuals who have pursued careers in health and social care. Here are some examples:

Hertfordshire and West Essex Health and Care Academy – have videos of real-life stories from a range of staff on what it is like to work in health and care.
NHS England – has a case study about Becky, a healthcare assistant in the NHS. She started working in administration after leaving school. At 38 years old, Becky decided to change her career and become a healthcare support worker after volunteering at her local hospital. She has worked in various areas, such as stroke rehab, on a surgical ward and in elderly care. She enjoys the contact with patients and wishes she had changed careers sooner.
NHS Health Careers – has various real-life stories about people who have chosen a career working for the NHS. They mention how they got into their roles, what they do, the best bits and challenges, life outside of work and career plans and top tips for others.
Skills for Care – have various videos and written case studies from people working in social care. They talk about what they do in their role, how they got there and how they want to progress.

These case studies highlight the achievements and successes these health and social workers have attained through training and dedication.

Conclusion

Health and social care is a rewarding sector which enables people to access the care and support they require to maintain their physical and mental health and well-being. With increasing demand for health and social care services because of an ageing population and poor lifestyles, there are numerous roles and settings in which to work.

All health and social care roles require some training. The qualifications and experience you need will depend on the role(s) you are interested in and your career goals. If you want to go into a regulated profession, such as nursing or social work, ensure you choose an approved programme. If you are interested in other roles, look at employer websites and job adverts to see what qualifications and training they are asking for.

Numerous institutions and training providers offer health and social care training courses that vary in content, duration, quality and effectiveness. Always thoroughly research when evaluating courses and check the course content, duration, study mode and learning outcomes. Also, check whether the provider is regulated and their courses are accredited, as these are typically more sought after by employers and will look good on your CV.

It is crucial to undertake regular CPD training and ongoing learning and development when working in the health and social care sector, as it is continually evolving and service user needs are ever-changing. Enhancing knowledge and skills and gaining more experience will increase your competency, ensure you provide the best possible care and support and help you progress in your career. If you are passionate about helping others, you can take the first steps through education and training and undertake a health and social care training course.