going for social care

scoobydave

Apologies if I'm in the wrong place.
Hi everyone, so I'm looking for some tips,advice. And any other information that might help.
So 4 years ago I left the working in the construction industry after ten years. I always had a interest in healthcare i.e. paramedics social care. I was on social welfare and an opportunity came up for doing a ce scheme with Irish wheelchair association. I spent one year there and I actually enjoyed it as a personal assistant. Especially when I got to know different mental or disabilities. I finished up and done a fetal level 5 in nursing while during that time I started with civil defence. Trained up to CFR and waiting now on EFR. Recently a friend of mine asked me would I have an interest in social care working with out of control children. After a lengthy conversation I got more interested in it and he had words with his regional manager about having a chat with me. This opportunity is a life changing experience for me considering I spent all my career on the buildings. Weakness ofcourse is no degree in social care. I have two girls aged 7 and 3 and to be honest as most of you know. It's a degree itself. As I said this has started 4 years ago and I do not want to get off this rollercoaster.
ThanksðŸ˜

Mrs OBumble

So what's your question?

Will they give you a job without a degree, and perhaps have you work part time towards one at the same time? Or are you asking if you should do a three year degree, in the hope that you'll get a job afterwards?

Loveinapril

You need to change your language, first of all! "Out of control" children is not a term that is used. You will need a degree for any social care job, but the possibilities are endless after you qualify. I am a qualified social care worker and my husband has just started his degree (with a background in construction like you) at the grand old age of 35! It is well worth it. You may be able to get onto a QQI course now as a late entrant, otherwise you will have to wait until next year.

saggycaggy

I've just completed a 1 year online post grad in Applied Social Studies with Trinity. Would that be any good to you? It's online but it's very intense!

scoobydave

Mrs OBumble wrote: »

So what's your question?

Will they give you a job without a degree, and perhaps have you work part time towards one at the same time? Or are you asking if you should do a three year degree, in the hope that you'll get a job afterwards?

Interview set for November with no degree. But yes I hope to go for my degree.

scoobydave

saggycaggy wrote: »

I've just completed a 1 year online post grad in Applied Social Studies with Trinity. Would that be any good to you? It's online but it's very intense!

That sounds promising. I'd greatly appreciate it

scoobydave

Loveinapril wrote: »

You need to change your language, first of all! "Out of control" children is not a term that is used. You will need a degree for any social care job, but the possibilities are endless after you qualify. I am a qualified social care worker and my husband has just started his degree (with a background in construction like you) at the grand old age of 35! It is well worth it. You may be able to get onto a QQI course now as a late entrant, otherwise you will have to wait until next year.

The fact that I have no degree is clearly negative towards any social care practise. But through contacts I managed to get an interview in November. I will go for my degree. A lot of studying prior to the interview but my life experience I think may help. I will take your words on board. As your husband knows it's a massive task to take on and I wish him well with his degree

GalwayGrrrrrl

saggycaggy wrote: »

I've just completed a 1 year online post grad in Applied Social Studies with Trinity. Would that be any good to you? It's online but it's very intense!

Note this is a POST GRAD course - ie you need to have a bachelors degree first (not necessarily in social care).

Good luck with your new career- have you looked into training as a health care assistant? It's not a degree course and involves lots of work experience. It would give you a chance to try out the area without the long term commitment of a degree at this stage. Then if you go ahead with your degree you can always do health care assistant shifts to get some money while you study.