How to become a care home advocate
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- volunteering
- applying directly
- a course run by a private training provider
College
You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include:
- Level 2 Certificate in Health and Social Care
- Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
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Apprenticeship
You may be able to start by doing an Adult care worker intermediate apprenticeship and then do further training.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
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Volunteering
Direct Application
You could apply directly to become a care home advocate. Employers are likely to place more importance on your skills than on your qualifications.
Experience in care work, social work or counselling could give you an advantage.
You'll need to have an understanding of the needs of older people and show a positive attitude to ageing.
You may also find it useful if you've had experience as a user of advocacy or care services.
Other Routes
Some private training providers offer nationally recognised qualifications in advocacy, like:
- Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy
- Level 3 Certificate in Independent Advocacy
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Career tips
It might help if you can speak a community language for some jobs.
Professional and industry bodies
Skills for care is an independent charity and has further information about working in the care sector.
Further information
You can find out more about becoming a care home advocate and training from: