How to become a residential support worker
You can get into this job through:
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
College
You could take a course at college, for example:
- Level 2 GCSE in Health and Social Care
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People's Workforce
- Level 2 Certificate or Level 3 Diploma in Youth Work Practice
- Level 3 Diploma for Residential Childcare
Many courses include work placements, so this could be a good way for you to get experience.
Entry requirements
You may 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 could get into this job through an adult care worker intermediate apprenticeship or lead adult care worker advanced apprenticeship.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
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Work
Some social care employers will be more interested in your work and life experience than formal qualifications, and you can get these whilst working. You can start working as a support worker in:
- a children's home
- a care home
- a hostel
Volunteering
You can get voluntary experience in a number of ways like:
- volunteering at a youth club
- having personal experience of caring for a family member
- doing voluntary work in a care home, nursery or relevant charity
Direct Application
To apply directly for jobs in residential support, you'll need paid or voluntary experience in the social work and care sector.
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Further information
You can find out more about becoming a residential support worker from Think Care Careers.