Health & social care qualifications see the biggest growth

Health and social care achieved the biggest growth in successfully completed qualifications of any vocational subject last year, according to new analysis of government data by Prestige Nursing and Care which indicates a rising level of skills among the UK’s care workforce.

A record 917,840 health and social care qualifications were successfully completed between October 2013 and September 2014. This was the highest total since records began in 2002 and was up 25% from 735,227 in 2012/13. The 182,613 extra achievements were more than twice the number seen in any other area of vocational study during 2013/14.

New registrations for health and social care qualifications also jumped by 74% from 322,201 in 2012/13 to 559,048 last year. This was the largest number in four years, since 2009/10 (573,579).  Performing arts was the only subject area that saw a greater increase year-on-year in 2013/14.

With business secretary Vince Cable having announced new ‘trailblazer’ apprenticeships in adult social care, the growing profile of vocational training in the industry could help to combat recruitment challenges that employers face as demand grows for nursing and care services.

Recent research from specialist recruiter Randstad Care highlighted the widespread view that health and social care is the most fulfilling profession to work in. But Prestige’s own research among the 3,000 staff registered with its business shows that while 63% are attracted to the industry because they want to care for others, just 5% were attracted by the future prospects and progression opportunities.

Jonathan Bruce, Managing Director of Prestige Nursing + Care said: “The country is facing a prolonged period of rising demand for care support, so it is vital that we attract new staff and invest in skills to create a more sustainable workforce. It is hugely reassuring to see that health and social care stands out for achieving the fastest growing success rate in any field of vocational study.

“A greater profile for training and development across the industry is essential to expanding the pool of qualified talent and delivering cost-effective care services. For example, our own Introduction to Care course is helping to give aspiring care workers a foot in the door at the very start of their careers. More than 500 staff have benefitted in the last year alone, and it is proving invaluable to overcome the limited availability of experienced domiciliary care workers.

“We have committed to this as a business well in advance of the new Care Certificate, which arrives in April 2015 to ensure consistent inductions, preparation and initial training across the industry. With new apprenticeships also coming on-stream, it is vital that employers continue build on these platforms and make staff recruitment and training a top priority.”

Health, public services and care see the greatest sector growth

Overall the health, public services and care sector – which includes nursing and subjects allied to medicine, public services and child development, alongside health and social care – was one of only three to see qualification successes increase in 2013/14 (out of 15 sectors in total).

The sector saw 157,726 extra achievements compared with 2012/13: far exceeding a 7,537 increase in science and mathematics and 1,283 in social sciences. Registrations also rose by 236,798. This was bettered only by arts, media and publishing which rose by 239,225.
 
However, without the boost of rising numbers in health and social care, the overall sector would have seen registrations drop by 49 in 2013/14 while achievements would have fallen by 24,887.

Employers focused on addressing skills gap at level 2 and 3

Within health and social care, level 2 qualifications – typically aimed at new entrants looking for their first care job or existing care workers carrying out supervised roles – saw numbers grow the most in the last year. Registrations at this level rose 185,796 while achievements grew by 163,974.

Level 3 qualifications – suitable for experienced staff working with limited supervision or aspiring to more senior roles – recorded the next largest growth, with 64,597 extra registrations and 54,167 completions during 2013/14.

Lesley Blower, Learning and Development Manager of Prestige Nursing + Care continued: “Dedication to skills is the only way that health and social care services can successfully take the weight of responsibility to support local community needs. As well as training and developing new entrants, it is important we help existing workers to progress up the ranks and tackle the skills gaps that exist in senior roles.

“Anyone considering a career in health and social care should be encouraged by this evidence that support is out there from employers to develop new skills and competencies. Many people enter the sector wanting to ‘make a difference’ to those in need of support and compassion. Matching these ambitions with the right training and skills is essential to making the care experience a satisfying one for everyone involved.”