I need experience of social care to study a social work course. What counts as relevant experience?
Universities and colleges are looking for people who have some knowledge about social care, what it is and how it works. They will be looking for someone with basic social work skills – listening, assessing, communicating, working well with others – and people who have a non-judgemental attitude, an appreciation of diversity and self-awareness, and people who have flexible attitudes and are open to new ideas. Working as a volunteer, or as an unqualified worker in social work or social care settings, can be a satisfying and valuable way of finding out more about different kinds of social work and care and helping you to think about your future career. For people who work full-time or have financial or family commitments, it may be difficult to spend long periods in unpaid employment. There may be opportunities to gain experience and a reference by volunteering in your spare time in the evenings and at weekends. Alternatively, there are often opportunities to work as a care assistant or
