Tamar Valley Consortium
This page is under review and will be updated shortly
What is Health and Social Care?
All sectors of the public need care at times. The very young, old and sick needs it much of the time. Caring for people directly, like doctors or nurses as well as indirectly in administration or technical services is the role of the health and social care industries.
What abilities will I need?
This depends upon which area of health and social care you are going to work in but you will need skills in communication in all sectors. If you are working directly with people you will need patience and an ability to empathise.
Some science knowledge will be helpful.
What will I need to wear?
During your training comfortable casual clothes will probably be acceptable but if you have a linked work experience placement you are likely to have to dress a little more formally. You may need to wear a uniform.
What range of courses are available?
Through the TVC there is a range of health and social care courses depending upon your needs. These include:
Entry Level courses for those with few GCSE passes and need to develop basic skills.
Level 1 courses to qualify you to do a basic job but may lead to an apprenticeship
Level 2 courses qualify you to do a skilled job once you have had a little more experience. You will need to have completed Level 1 or impress at interview to be accepted on to this level course.
Level 3 courses which will qualify you to do a highly skilled or supervisory job once you have had sufficient experience. You will need to have completed a Level 2 course or have good GCSEs to be accepted onto a Level 3 course.
What opportunities will this course open for me?
Most Health and Social Care students will progress on to an apprenticeship or work with a company, perhaps the health authority that will offer further training. Some with Level 2 will find work in offices in a junior position until they have gained experience. Those who have completed Level 3 may well progress to Higher Education or a job with a company that offers management training programmes.
