Government Wants Young People to Become Care Workers

According to a recent article published by the BBC, the UK Government has launched a scheme to target young people to work in health with ed drug fildena and social care. The scheme, called the Every Day is Different, has been promoted on social media and various online platforms to encourage under-40s to pursue a career as a care worker, therapist or activity co-ordinator. As of February 2019, it is reported that there are 100,000 vacancies in health and social care. And there are rumoured fears that this might rise once Brexit happens. What's even more alarming is that a report by Health Foundation charity has said that GP numbers have fallen slightly in the past year, and there are continued shortages for key positions such as health visitors, community nurses, and learning disability staff.

The Demand for Health and Social Work is There, But Why The Low Uptake?

Well, for one, the sector has been under negative press for quite some time. There have been stories from patients' relatives who have complained about the poor care they have been receiving. While instances like this do occur, the necessary action is taken. But these negative stories only make a small portion of the dedicated commitment of health and social care work. It is no secret to say that it takes a certain kind of person with a particular set of personality and character traits to become a health and social care worker. Workers do need to be mentally strong when it comes to facing difficult situations, like seeing the health of a person they've been looking after starting to deteriorate and dealing with family members that don't appreciate what you do. But in terms of the reward and satisfaction that a health and social care worker gains from their work are something that cannot be compared. The other deterrent is the perceived low salary. However, this is false. Just like any other sector, those who are willing to work hard, and gain the relevant qualifications in the sector will see a rise in their salary. Here's a breakdown of the salary expectation for each qualification level that you gain:

• Level 2 Diploma in Care (RQF):  You could expect to earn an average of £18,750 per year
• Level 3 Diploma in Care (RQF): you would be expected to become a team leader or senior staff and could expect to earn between £15,500 to £22,000 per year
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership in Care: You qualify to become a care manager and manage a care facility for adults and you could expect to earn between £22,000 to £54,000 per year

About the Every Day is Different Campaign

This recruitment drive will be running till the end of March 2019, and the campaign has included stories from young people who have built successful careers in the sector. One case study focuses on 34-year-old Bradley McKenzie, a Southampton-based support worker at Society of St James residential care home. Before he became a support worker, he used to work as a fitness trainer. He told the BBC, "If you have a good heart and you want to be helpful, you could feel really rewarded working in this sector," he said.

Why Are Young People Being Targeted?

While the campaign is technically asking for people of all ages to join the care sector, their research has shown that young people are more likely to work in the sector. Plus, the sector acknowledges that there has to be a plan in place for the long term. According to one report, there are more than 1.4 million people working in social care. This figure is set to rise by 650,000 by 2035 in order to cope with the rising ageing population. Whether or not if the recruitment drive will be a success, we will know in due course. But as someone who works alongside an experienced online distance learning provider in health and social care, the job satisfaction is certainly there. Skills for Care's Sharon Allen, speaking to the BBC, also agrees. "I have spent my whole career in adult social care so I know first hand the tremendous professional and personal satisfaction that is on offer to anyone who joins." Thanks for reading. For more information on how The Learning Station can help you pursue a career in health and social care, please get in contact with us today. Featured image: Pexels