250 Social Care Jobs In Bradford Up For Grabs

A Government scheme aimed at boosting the number of social care workers is looking to fill 250 jobs across the Bradford district.

Recruitment events are being held in Bradford today and tomorrow, and in Keighley on Thursday, Friday and Saturday to provide information and the opportunity to speak to representatives of Bradford Council and employers.

There will also be the opportunity to speak to those working in the social care sector to gain an insight into the rewards and benefits of caring for others.

Jobs range from home care assistants to work within residential care homes, and there are a wide range of positions working with older people, children, families and people with disabilities.

Candidates do not need specific qualifications as training will be offered.

Care Services Minister Phil Hope said of the recruitment drive: “The people who work in social care have jobs that are demanding but very rewarding.

“If you are a passionate people-person and get a kick out of helping others, a job in social care could be just the thing you are looking for.

“If you’ve had experience caring for a family member or friend and might be interested in getting paid to care for others, come along to the recruitment event and find out more. It could put you on the path to a really satisfying career.” Gill Ward, Bradford Council’s HR project manager for social care said: “There are very few places where you can gain on the job training, in a career that will provide job satisfaction like no other.

“There are flexible hours and you don’t need any formal qualifications to start. Staff can get lots of training, and will find themselves working with a wide variety of people and with many opportunities to develop their career if they want to.”

Sally Gretton, regional development manager for the Skills for Care Agency, said: “Social Care is the second biggest employer in the country after health.

“There are 1.5 million social care employees in the UK with 3,000 in the Yorkshire and Humber area.

“This is a yearly campaign aiming to raise the profile of the sector and encourage people into the sector who may not have considered it before.”

Asked whether there was a difficulty in recruiting given the high level of vacancies.

She said: “I don’t think there’s a specific issue surrounding recruitment. When you look at the number of people employed in the sector it puts the figure of 250 into perspective.”

Further information about social work career opportunities are available at the Bradford recruitment events at Kirkgate Shopping Centre or the Keighley events at the Airedale Centre.