How to Become a Carer

Becoming a professional carer doesn’t always require previous experience or formal qualifications. Most care providers look for people with the right personal qualities, alongside a willingness to complete the training needed for the role.

The application process usually involves finding a suitable care provider, submitting an application, attending an interview and completing the necessary background checks and training before starting work.

Here’s what to expect if you’re considering a career in care.

What qualifications do you need to become a carer?

You don’t necessarily need a formal care qualification or previous professional experience to become a carer.

Care providers may look for relevant experience, qualifications or training, but personal qualities such as compassion, patience, reliability and good communication are also important.

If you’re new to care, your employer should explain what training is required for your role and provide appropriate support before you begin working independently.

Some carers choose to work towards recognised qualifications, such as an RQF qualification in Health and Social Care, as they gain experience.

How do you become a carer?

The process varies between employers, but you can generally expect to:

1. Search for suitable care jobs
2. Choose a care provider and check the role carefully
3. Submit an application and provide your relevant documents
4. Attend an interview
5. Complete background and employment checks
6. Complete required training and induction
7. Agree a start date and begin your care role

The process may take different amounts of time depending on the employer, the role and how quickly the necessary checks are completed.

Where can you find care jobs?

There are several ways to search for a care job, including:

• Care provider websites
• General job websites
• Local job boards
• Social media
• Local newspapers and community notice boards
• Care sector recruitment websites

It’s worth looking beyond the job description when comparing employers. Consider the type of care they provide, the locations they cover, the support available to carers, training opportunities, pay and benefits.

You can also explore care jobs with Trinity Homecare.

How do you choose the right care provider?

Choosing an employer is an important part of starting a career in care.

Before applying, consider:

What type of care do they provide?

Care providers may offer visiting care, live-in care, specialist care or a combination of services.

Think about the type of work you would enjoy and whether you have particular interests or experience, such as dementia care, complex care or supporting people with mobility needs.

Where do they provide care?

Check where the employer operates and whether the role involves travelling between clients.

If you’re considering live-in care, find out how placements work and how often you can expect to return home between assignments.

What training and support do they offer?

Ask what training is provided before you start and what ongoing learning is available. It’s also worth asking who you can contact if you have a question or concern while working with a client.

What are the terms of employment?

Look carefully at the role’s pay, hours, holiday entitlement, benefits and other employment terms before accepting a position.

Are they regulated?

If the provider carries out activities that require registration, you can check its Care Quality Commission (CQC) registration and latest rating.

A CQC rating is relevant to the provider’s regulated services, but it is only one factor to consider when choosing an employer.

What documents do you need to become a carer?

The exact requirements vary between employers, but you may be asked to provide:

• Proof of identity
• Proof of your right to work in the UK
• A CV or details of your previous employment
• References
• Relevant qualifications or training certificates
• Information needed to complete background checks

Your employer should explain which documents are required during the application process.

If you are applying from outside the UK, you may have additional requirements relating to your right to work and overseas applications.

What happens during a carer interview?

A care interview is an opportunity for the employer to understand your experience, skills, personality and reasons for wanting to work in care.

You may be asked questions about:

• Why you want to become a carer
• Previous experience supporting other people
• How you would respond to a difficult situation
• How you would protect someone’s dignity and independence
• How you would communicate with a person who has difficulty expressing themselves
• How you would respond if you noticed a change in someone’s wellbeing
• Your availability and preferred working pattern

You may also be asked questions based on scenarios you could encounter in the role.

You don’t need to know the answer to every question immediately. If you are new to care, be honest about your experience and show that you are willing to learn.

Do you need a DBS check to become a carer?

Most roles involving regulated activity with adults require an appropriate DBS check.

The level of check depends on the role and the type of work involved. Your employer will normally arrange the appropriate check as part of the recruitment process.

A DBS check helps employers make safer recruitment decisions by showing relevant information from an individual’s criminal record.

It is important to remember that a DBS check is just one part of a wider recruitment process. Employers should also consider references, qualifications, experience, interview performance and other relevant information when assessing applicants.

What are the different types of DBS check?

There are four main levels of DBS check:

Basic DBS check

A basic check shows unspent convictions and conditional cautions. Individuals can apply for a basic DBS check themselves.

Standard DBS check

A standard check provides information about spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and warnings, subject to the applicable rules.

Enhanced DBS check

An enhanced check includes the information available through a standard check and may also include relevant local police information.

Enhanced DBS check with barred lists

This is an enhanced check that can include a check against the relevant barred list. It is only available for roles that meet the eligibility requirements.

Your employer should tell you which type of DBS check is appropriate for the position.

What happens after your interview?

If you are successful, the employer will normally complete the remaining recruitment checks before confirming your appointment.

This may include:

• DBS checks
• References
• Right-to-work checks
• Verification of qualifications
• Other employment checks required for the role

You may then complete an induction and any mandatory training before starting work with clients.

The time this takes varies between employers and individuals. A DBS check or another outstanding recruitment requirement can sometimes delay a start date.

What training do carers receive?

Training varies depending on the employer and the role.

A new carer may receive training covering areas such as:

• Safeguarding
• Moving and handling
• Infection prevention and control
• Health and safety
• First aid
• Medication
• Dementia awareness
• Personal care
• Food hygiene
• Equality, dignity and respect

The training you need will depend on the type of care you provide and the needs of the people you support.

Carers should also receive ongoing training where appropriate so that their knowledge and skills remain up to date.

You can read more about skills and training for carers.

Can you become a carer without experience?

Yes. Previous experience can be helpful, but it is not always essential.

People enter care from many different backgrounds. You may have gained relevant experience by supporting a family member, volunteering or working in another role involving people and communication.

If you are considering care as a first career, look for employers that provide structured training, supervision and support for new carers.

Your personal qualities matter too. Read our guide to the qualities of a good carer to see whether care could be the right career for you.

Can you work as a self-employed carer?

There are different ways to work in the care sector.

Some carers are directly employed by a care provider, while others may work on a self-employed basis depending on the arrangement.

These options have different responsibilities and implications around tax, employment rights, insurance, care management and finding clients.

If you’re new to care, working for an established provider can offer structured training, supervision and support while you build your experience.

How long does it take to become a carer?

There is no fixed timeframe for becoming a professional carer.

The process depends on the employer, the role, your previous experience and how quickly recruitment checks and training can be completed.

Some people may be ready to start relatively quickly, while others may need additional training or checks before they can begin.

Your prospective employer should explain the expected timeline during the recruitment process.

Start your career in care with Trinity Homecare

If you are looking for a rewarding career supporting people in their own homes, Trinity Homecare offers opportunities for professional carers.

We provide live-in care and other homecare services, with training and support for our care teams.

You can view current care vacancies or download our Guide to Becoming a Carer for more information about starting a career in care.

Frequently asked questions about becoming a carer

Do I need qualifications to become a carer?

Not necessarily. Many care providers recruit people without previous professional care qualifications and provide the training required for the role. Relevant experience and qualifications can be helpful, but personal qualities and a willingness to learn are also important.

Can I become a carer with no experience?

Yes. Some employers accept applicants without previous professional care experience, particularly where they provide appropriate training and support. Experience of caring for a relative, volunteering or working with people can also be relevant.

How old do you have to be to become a carer?

The minimum age depends on the role, employer and the type of care provided. Some care roles have specific age requirements, particularly where particular regulated activities or working arrangements are involved.

Do carers need a DBS check?

Most roles involving regulated activity with adults require an appropriate DBS check. The employer should arrange or advise on the correct level of check for the specific role.

What skills do you need to be a carer?

Good carers need a combination of practical and interpersonal skills. Compassion, patience, reliability, communication, observation and respect are particularly important, alongside the willingness to learn and follow care procedures.

Is being a carer a good career?

Care can be a rewarding career for people who enjoy supporting others and want work with a clear sense of purpose. There are also opportunities to develop your skills, gain qualifications and progress within the care sector.