Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 2 is the most recognised.
Live listings typically advertise £13.25 to £14.25 an hour. See the full Support Worker salary guide.
Your route in
You can start without qualifications - direct entry/volunteering; a qualification improves your chances
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 2)
Any of these strengthens your application.
- Health and Social Care Extended Diploma (Level 2) L2127 courses
- Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (Level 2) L268 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability L263 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care L242 courses
- BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Health and Social Care L234 courses
- Level 2 Certificate: Working with Individuals with Learning Disabilities L231 courses
Add-on certificates
Complements to the main route. Where no level is shown, the awarding body does not specify one.
- Understanding Behaviour that Challenges 13 courses
- Preparing to Work in Schools 9 courses
- Food Safety in Care and Early Years Settings 7 courses
- Working with Children and Families 3 courses
- Supporting Children with Additional Needs (Higher Education course) 2 courses
- BTEC Tech Award in Health and Social Care 2 courses
Where this can take you
While employed as a care worker you can develop your skills by training in specific areas, such as: autism awareness, supporting people with dementia and communication skills, like Makaton or Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS). With experience, you can become a senior care worker, or palliative care assistant. You can also move into care team supervision or care services management, if you get further qualifications.
- BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (Level 3) L3276 courses
- BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (Level 3) L3119 courses
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care L3114 courses
- Level 3 Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) L3107 courses
Courses for this career
See free Support Worker courses
Level 1
- BTEC First Diploma in Health and Social Care (Level 1/2) L15 courses
- Level 1 Diploma in Health and Care L14 courses
- Level 1 Certificate in Health and Social Care and Children's Settings L11 course
Level 2
- Health and Social Care Extended Diploma (Level 2) L2127 courses
- Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care (Level 2) L268 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Special Educational Needs and Disability L263 courses
- Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care L242 courses
- BTEC Level 2 First Certificate in Health and Social Care L234 courses
Level 3
- BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (Level 3) L3276 courses
- BTEC National Extended Certificate in Health and Social Care (Level 3) L3119 courses
- BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Health and Social Care L3114 courses
- Level 3 Health and Social Care (Extended Certificate) L3107 courses
- BTEC National Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care (Level 3) L3105 courses