There are jobs that are often described as real vocations and, for many, care is one of them.
The care sector includes a variety of jobs based around looking after people of different ages who may have health conditions, disabilities and/or who are in situations of vulnerability.
We've spoken to Shari Tindle, deputy manager at Tilsley House Care Home, about why she finds her job so rewarding and what skills you need to succeed in her field. Shari is one of the employers featured in Stacey Dooley's latest series The Nine to Five.
Care home deputy manager Shari Tindle talks about her route into the care sector and the skills needed to succeed in it.
"Sit in the armchair there. Rest your legs."
My name's Sharri Tindle. I am Deputy Manager here at Tilsley House Care Home in Weston-Super-Mare.
"You are having a little joy ride, yeah."
I've been in care for around about four years now. I'm 28 years old. And, here I am, deputy manager in a 31-bed care home. Big responsibility.
"My best friend." "I know she is."
It was almost by chance that I ended up working in the Care industry.
"Any sugar?" "No, thank you." "Sweet enough, Barbara."
I took a job working with young people with learning disabilities. And, that was it really. The passion, the love of care came from there.
"Hello Jean."
My top tips for young people wanting to come into the care industry are… Work out for yourself if you're the right personality for working in care.
"How long have you been here?" "'93"
Sounds very obvious and a no-brainer. But, if you're not caring and you're not patient, probably not going to be the job for you. Learn on the job. You know, it's a vocation. It's an apprenticeship.
"Betty we've got the nails, they're amazing." "Here you go love."
It's not, you know, you sit down and do an exam, and then boom! You're like this glowing qualified carer.
"We're going to sing a song called The Oldest Swinger in Town. It's quite funny." "Ooh, never heard of that one. Let's go down a bit."
Singing: "When you walk into a disco and they offer you a seat, you're the oldest swinger in town."
If you're a people person, there's always an opportunity. You know, people are fascinating, and, especially working with the elderly, they're like walking history. It's enriching.
Learn from people above you. Find yourself a mentor.
"Is that okay?" "Yes, beautiful."
"Would you like a cup of tea?" "Yes please." "There you go. Sit down there, yeah."
Treat everyone as if you would treat your mum or your dad, even if you're making a cup of tea. Making a bed. Taking somebody to their local GP appointment. You're having an absolute impact on the people that you support.
Working in Care. It's not just a job, it's a career.
The opportunity to progress and develop is there. Aim high, set targets, set goals. If you're really driven and you're passionate, guaranteed you'll get there.
Shari's top tips:
- You need to be very patient and caring to work in this sector, so work out if you have the right personality for it
- Qualifications can help, but you will do a lot of learning on the job, so soak up what you experience
- Learn from people above and around you. Elderly people, says Shari, are like "walking history", and working with them can be very enriching
- Treat everyone as if you would treat your parents or grandparents. You definitely have an impact on the people that you support
- As with most other jobs: aim high and set yourself some goals. Let your passion shine through.
For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: National Careers Service (England), nidirect (Northern Ireland), My World of Work (Scotland) and Careers Wales (Wales).
Work experience in your area
Find work experience placements with Workfinder.
Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.
Job inspiration: Careers in healthcare and frontline services. collection
Hear from people working across the healthcare sector and in frontline services, including some roles you may not know existed!
Navigating the workplace: The Nine to Five with Stacey Dooley. collection
Advice and stories from Stacey Dooley and five 16 to 18 year olds on the ultimate work experience.
