New opportunity to train online for a career in Social Care

Today [4 November] a brand-new online course brings an opportunity for anyone to take the first steps into a career in Social Care. ‘Introduction to a Career in Social Care’ is a six-week, part time, online tutor-supported course, and is being delivered by colleges throughout Scotland.

The course introduces students to a career in Social Care, which offers many and varied opportunities. It has been designed for those who enjoy working with people, are compassionate, have a sense of fun and are seeking a new rewarding career helping others live their lives to the full. Participants will be able to work through the learning materials at their own pace, extending their learning through videos and links to further information.

This course is delivered with funding from the National Transition Training Fund from Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council.

James Dunphy, Director of Access, Learning and Outcomes at the Scottish Funding Council, said:

‘This shows how effectively Scotland’s colleges are working together to respond to emerging needs in our society. The development of the course, which has also involved employers and the Scottish Social Services Council, addresses a pressing issue, and will encourage and support people to become part of the future care sector.

‘It also demonstrates the value of the Scottish Government’s National Transition Training Fund and I’m delighted to see how our allocation of the Fund to colleges is already making a difference.’

Anne Campbell, Chair of CDN Care Strategy Steering Group said:

‘I am delighted that the vision, teamwork, dedication and passion of care colleagues from across the college sector has made the design and launch of the Introduction to a Career in Social Care online course a reality.

‘The Social Care sector, in Scotland, continues to face significant workforce challenges – challenges exacerbated by Covid19 and by Brexit. This innovative, sector-wide collaboration, funded by Scottish Government and the Scottish Funding Council is, I believe, the first of its kind and represents the desire to provide a consistent sector-wide solution to enable those interested in embarking on a career in Social Care to study in a flexible manner. It will thoroughly prepare participants for entry to the Social Care workforce, ready to undertake SVQs; or for further relevant study in college.’

Jim Metcalfe, Chief Executive of CDN said:

‘CDN is delighted to have contributed to this unique learning opportunity for a critical sector. Congratulations to all those involved in designing and delivering this programme, which I’m sure will be hugely impactful across the country.’