Whether you’re joining from another industry or looking to take your skills to the next level, the care sector provides many different opportunities to try advance your career, from carer to catering, housekeeping, nursing, clinical management or home management roles.
New Bupa research shows that more than two in five people want a new role, either to increase their job satisfaction or try a new challenge. But for a quarter of people (27%), a lack of self-belief is holding them back, while others are worried about learning the skills required, or having to take time out to study.
Here Rebecca Pearson, General Manager, Bupa Care Services, Bupa Global & UK busts some of the common myths that might be holding people back from advancing their caring career, and explains why apprenticeships can be a great option for those who want to try something new.
“I’ve left it too late to make a change” MYTH
It’s never too late to pursue your passions in life! I often hear people worrying that they should stick with their current job, or that they’re too old to make a change. For caring careers, life experience is extremely valuable, along with natural empathy, compassion and enthusiasm. We see people of all ages come to us to start something new, so trust me you won’t be alone.
“I won’t be able to learn the new skills required” MYTH
For many of us it might feel like a long time since we were in a classroom, so the idea of learning new things can be daunting. I always try to remind people that no one is expected to know everything on their first day.
Apprenticeships can be a great option to help push on to the next level, and at Bupa we offer many different options, whatever your ambitions. The good thing about doing an apprenticeship at Bupa is that you’ll have loads of support around you to help you juggle work, studying and placements. We want you to succeed and reach your goals.
Jiji George, trained nurse and Home Manager at Colonia Court Bupa Care Home says: “I was used to working as a hospital nurse, so when I first entered a care home I was worried that everything would be too different. But everyone was really supportive, and I soon got used to the differences. I really like that in a care home you get to know all of the residents really well, whereas in hospital the patients are in and out so quickly. I’ve been able to work my way up from nurse to home manager here, so the opportunities for growth have been great. It’s like a big family here, we all look after each other.”
“I can’t afford to stop work while I retrain” MYTH
For many people, the prospect of having to take time out of work while retraining can hold them back from trying something new. In fact, this is a major concern for a quarter of people (26%). But apprenticeships can be a great way of overcoming this, as you can ‘earn while you learn’, and many apprenticeships end with a job and a pay rise, in recognition of your new skills.
If you are struggling for money, look for any schemes or benefits you might be entitled to, which your employer should signpost to. You may also be able to work or learn remotely to help with commuting costs or access free office equipment or subsidised meals at work.
“My skills are too niche to transfer to another job” MYTH
Change can be daunting, even if you’re moving between similar sectors or roles. But you’d be surprised how many skills you have that will be relevant to a new role. On the job learning, training days and courses will help top up your technical skills. At Bupa we have a 10,000 strong team, so there’s always someone who knows the answer to a question!
Victoria Taylor, Home Manager, Ashley Park Bupa Care Home said: “Before I trained as a carer I was working in a supermarket. I didn’t think I had any transferrable skills, but I loved helping our elderly customers cross the busy main road with their shopping. It was scary to start something new but my colleagues were really supportive. There are technical skills to learn as a carer but it’s also about treating people with dignity and respect, and doing activities that you can all enjoy.”
“There won’t be enough support” MYTH
Considering what support is available is a really good thing to do when looking for a new job, especially if you’re moving into a new sector. It’s a good idea to look at whether your new company offers wellbeing services, like Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), GP appointments or health assessments.
Consider what support and benefits will be available to you more widely, too. At Bupa we recently refreshed our healthcare benefits for our people, providing greater access to mental health and physiotherapy support, GP appointments at evenings and weekends, as well as vital services such as cancer checks, menopause support and access to our Bupa health assessments.