Learning Gateway | Webmail


Health and Social Care

Health and Social Care Student at Leek College

Working in Health and Social Care allows you to make a real difference to someone’s life, from young people to the elderly in a variety of settings. You could be working in the community, in a hospital or health centre, or in education and advice centres or even people’s homes.
 
Healthcare professionals are greatly in demand. Local authorities employ the majority of healthcare professionals, however there are also many opportunities in the private sector and an increasing number are now self-employed opening up exciting avenues of choice.

Click on a thumbnail to view at full size and start a slide show.

Amy Ferns

http://www.leek.ac.uk/images/caseStudies/amyFerns.jpg

Eighteen-year-old Amy enjoyed her two-year course in Health and Social Care because of the variety of work experience it offered her. And, after passing her BTEC National Diploma, she’s not only gained a qualification but also a job – at the care home where she did her very first placement. Amy is employed as a Care Assistant at the Abbey Court Nursing Home, on Buxton Road, Leek where she enjoys her work immensely and feels like a very valued member of staff.

Quote start

I chose to do the course because it can open the door to so many different jobs and there are lots of opportunities to go on placements. In my first year alone I went to both the nursing home and to a special school.

I knew I wouldn’t be limited in my choice of career after completing the course because you can go on to nursing, midwifery, elderly care or working in a school environment or even a hospice.

 
I studied all sorts of topics including Health, Psychology, Child Protection, Health and Safety and Equality and Diversity. I enjoyed the coursework as it was so relevant to my day-to-day experience in the workplace.
 
As soon as I’d finished my course I applied for my job at Abbey Court where I did my first work experience and I’m now employed there but hoping to continue my studies with Leek College too.

 

Quote end

Posted date 26/01/2012

Health and Social Care is a wide ranging and growing industry contributing 10% to the country’s economy. Last year approx 40% of Leek College students progressed onto the university of their choice and approx 50% went straight into employment.

Career Ideas

  • Nurse
  • Social Worker
  • Teacher
  • Care Assistant
  • Activity Co-ordinator
  • Occupational Therapist