How to Start a Career in Health and Social Care in UK (2025 Guide)

The new reality of care jobs in the UK

As more people in the UK are looking for meaningful and secure careers, the health and social care sector continues to stand out as of the most in-demand fields. But in 2025, the rules have changed. With tighter visa restrictions and rising demand, many are now asking: how do I get started in care?

Whether you’re switching careers, returning to work, or starting fresh, here’s what you need to know and how to get started the smart way.

What is health and social care?

Health and social care covers a wide range of roles focused on supporting individuals who need help with their physical, emotional, or social well-being, especially vulnerable populations like the elderly, disabled, or chronically ill. Careers in this field range from hands-on care roles to administrative and support positions.

Common job roles include:

• • Care Assistant

• • Support Worker

• • Healthcare Assistant

• • Residential Care Worker

• • Community Outreach Worker

These roles are in high demand across hospitals, care homes, community centres, and private care settings.

Why choose this career?

The care sector is not only rewarding but also stable and growing. With an aging population and ongoing social challenges, the demand for qualified care workers is rising across the UK. This career offers:

• • A chance to impact lives positively

• • Job security with many entry points

• • Opportunities for career progression

• • Flexible working options, including online training

Whether you’re in London, Manchester, or anywhere else in the UK, care work is accessible and vital.

What qualifications can help you get started?

You don’t need years of experience to begin a career in care, but the right course can help you feel confident and job-ready. Here are three popular options:

• • Level 2 in Adult Social Care Certificate
    A great starting point if you’re new to care. It covers the basics like communication, personal support, and keeping people safe.

• • Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
    Ideal if you want to move into senior or team lead roles. It builds on your skills and can lead to better pay or opportunities.

• • Access to HE Diploma in Nursing
    Planning to become a nurse? This course helps you get into a university nursing degree, no A-levels needed. Perfect for adult learners making a fresh start.

Each of these courses is available online and can be studied from anywhere in the UK.

Why it’s hard to start a care career in the UK right now

Many people want to join the care sector, but aren’t sure where to begin. Common concerns include:

• • “Do I need experience?”

• • “Do I need a degree?”

• • “Will I need to attend college in person?”

• • “Will anyone hire me if I haven’t worked in care before?”

The good news: there is a clear path—and it’s more accessible than you think.

UK-recognised online training that gets you job-ready

You don’t need a university degree or A-levels to start working in health and social care.

Many people begin with online vocational qualifications that are recognised across the UK and designed for real-world care roles.

These courses help you:

• • Understand how to safely and confidently support others

• • Learn at your own pace, often from home

• • Build a foundation for long-term career growth—even toward nursing or social work

Why this matters now more than ever

The care sector isn’t just hiring—it’s urgently looking for qualified UK-based candidates.

With fewer overseas recruits, care employers need people who:

• • Are already in the UK

• • Can demonstrate training or readiness

• • Understand what working in care truly involves

If that sounds like you, this is your window of opportunity.

Who is this career right for?

You don’t need to fit a certain mold. Some of the most successful care workers are:

• • Career changers from retail, hospitality, or admin

• • Parents returning to work

• • Recent school leavers who prefer hands-on roles

• • People looking for flexibility, purpose, and progression

What matters most is your empathy, reliability, and willingness to learn.

What changed with the health and care worker visa in 2025?

In July 2025, the UK government closed the care worker visa route for new overseas applicants. Here’s what that means:

• • No new international care workers can apply for sponsorship

• • UK employers must now recruit locally trained candidates

• • If you’re already in the UK, you’re in a stronger position—especially with the right qualifications

This shift means the industry is now looking inward, to UK residents who are ready to step up with the right skills and motivation.

Final thoughts: Ready to start your care journey?

The care sector has changed, but the demand is stronger than ever. If you’re based in the UK and ready to train, this is a perfect time to begin.

Start with the Level 2 Adult Social Care Certificate
Move up with the Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care
Get into nursing with the Access to HE Diploma

You’re one decision away from making a real difference.