Routes into Support Worker roles
HCSWs enter the role via a number of access points including school leavers, college, university, other NHS roles or from a non-NHS background. Some new HCSWs may have already achieved relevant healthcare experience and / or related qualifications prior to starting in post for example:
- If a new HCSW has completed a Scottish Wider Access Programme (SWAP), including access to nursing / allied health service at SCQF Level 6, they can progress onto an HNC programme (SCQF Level 7) or decide to work as a HCSW
- New HCSWs who have completed a Foundation Apprenticeship while in year 5 and 6 at High School will have gained work experience, a National Progression Award (NPA) in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6 and the core units of an SVQ in Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF Level 6
- A new HCSW may have left a health-related degree programme early and achieved a Diploma in Higher Education (SCQF Level 8)
Using Recognition of Prior Learning and mapping learning against the SCQF levels helps to identify a new HCSWs starting point and their future direction.
Preparation and transferable skills
No matter where you are in your career journey, you’ll already have lots of skills which can be transferable to a role in health and care. What are transferable skills and how can I demonstrate them when applying for jobs - you may find the blog article 'How to write about transferable skills for your NHSScotland job application' helpful.
You can visit the NHS Scotland Careers website to see how your current skills match the profiles of over 100 different job roles. Remember that the skills you use everyday can be applied in so many different settings.
If you are considering a career in the NHS as a Support Worker, you may find the preparing for work in healthcare website and resources of interest. Or the induction resource for adult social care may be of assistance.