Determined to pursue a career in Care thirty-three-year-old Amanda MacDonald knew that if this was what she really wanted, she’d have to step out of her comfort zone and make it happen.

Speaking to Amanda she said,

“I’ve been brought up around people that need care and was an unpaid carer for my aunt. My dad was in hospital and watching the nurses look after him I was inspired, and it reaffirmed that it was a career I wanted to pursue.

I’d applied for a few Care jobs, but the answer was always the same, that I needed some experience, so when I seen this course, it was the ideal opportunity for me.”

The Introduction to a Career in Social Care course is a six-week, part-time, online tutor lead course intended to introduce students to career in Social Care and the varied career opportunities available.

Designed for those who enjoy working with people, are compassionate, seeking a rewarding career this course was perfect for Amanda who possess all these qualities.

Amanda continued, “I was a little apprehensive about starting, but knew I had to do it if I wanted to get anywhere. With the learning all online I’ve been able to work at my own pace and fit it around my homelife which has been great for me.

‘I’ve learned a lot and really enjoyed the case studies which act like work experience where we are given scenarios that you’d find in the workplace and asked how you’d respond and deal with the situation.

It’s given me a really good insight into what a job in Care will actually be like and given me the skills to do it.

'It’s also helped me when it comes to caring for family and I’ve been able to put some of what I’ve learned into practice.

I’ve got a couple of weeks left of the course and after that I’m hoping to apply for jobs and I’m positive that having this training under my belt will help me secure a job.

'I may even want to continue my studies later down the line if it can help advance my career.”