Attendance/Duration
Short full-timeOverview
If you see yourself working in the care sector, perhaps as a support worker, care assistant or nurse of the future, this course would be a great start to your career.
Entry requirements
For entry to this course you’ll need: -
- A real interest in working with people
- An ability to read and write at SCQF level 4
- You may be asked to attend an informal interview and complete a short written activity
If you don’t have formal qualifications, but have life experience, then we’ll also consider you for a place, so please call us for a chat.
Students who successfully achieve Health and Social Care: An Introduction 1 are also eligible for this course.
ESOL entry requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have minimum SQA ESOL National 4
Please be aware that you will be asked to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and be occupationally fit for practice on all care courses at level 6 or above.
Course content
This course gives you a basic introduction to working in care. You’ll learn why people need care services and how you can support their health and wellbeing.
What you may learn:
- How things like money, education, and family can affect someone’s health and opportunities in life.
- What equipment and devices are available to support people’s health and wellbeing
- The important values people working in the care sector will have.
- How to work safely in care, especially how to stop infections from spreading.
- What a multidisciplinary team is and the skills needed to work well in one
- Roles and careers in health and social care
- What equipment and devices are available to support people’s health and wellbeing
How you may learn:
- Practical activities to enhance your knowledge and skills
- Guest speakers, such as staff from the NHS and local care services will bring your learning alive with real life examples of how they make a difference to the quality of life for the people they support.
- Team working on projects will build your confidence and independence
- Discussions in pairs and small groups will build your communication skills
Careers and Further Study
Before successfully achieving this course you will have the opportunity to discuss your next steps with your tutor. The most common progression routes are:
- Health and Social Care: An Introduction 1 (SCQF level 4)
- Health and Social Care: Developing Knowledge and Skills (SCQF level 5)
- Other Ayrshire College courses at SCQF levels 4 or 5 such as Early Education and Childcare
- You may wish to explore employment opportunities in the care sector.
Next Steps:
Ready to make a move? Apply now to secure your place.
Skills
You will develop skills that will support you in life, work and education. These will include communication, organisation and time management skills.
Employer and Industry Links
The Health and Social Care workforce is the largest workforce in Scotland. More than 400,000 skilled and caring people work together to support the health and wellbeing of the people in Scotland. There are always numerous job and career opportunities available in these valuable roles.