Wednesday 16 June 2010
An older generation of workers are finding job and training opportunities
where they least expected it – in the care industry.
The Guardian newspaper has recently reported on a former truck driver
called Jon Dann who has turned to care work as an alternative career
following an accident that left him disabled.
The 51-year-old was beginning to worry that he would not be able to work
steadily again, but then found that care work suited him down to the
ground. He said that this was mainly because he likes to have a good chat
with people. Dann also found that the care sector did not discriminate
against his age or disability.
Another major plus point for Dann was the fact that he gets to study for an
NVQ while at work. He is now doing an average of 20-30 hours each week
working with people with learning difficulties. He now plans to start
studying for up to 35 hours per week for his NVQ in health and social
care.
Dann is extremely excited about what he will learn at home and learn at
work, as these skills will help him become even more employable in the care
sector. He explained, "I think I am going to have to give up a bit of my
weekend time to do the studying. But it's for my good, really, and it will
increase my opportunities. I like my work and I want to get off
benefits."
A career in social care is a great option for anyone who considers
themselves a 'people person', and many people who have been made redundant
have turned to care as an alternative and very satisfying career.
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