1) What Does Health and Social Care Work Include?
Health and social care covers a wide range of services that support people’s physical, emotional, and social wellbeing. This includes:
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Health care: Hospitals, clinics, community health services.
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Social care: Support in homes, care homes, or community settings.
The sector offers a range of different roles and opportunities, from supporting people to maintain their independence to developing and manufacturing new drugs.
Health roles:
Doctors, Consultants & Dentists
Nurses & Midwives
Healthcare Assistant
Pharmaceutical
Scientific & Laboratory
Biotechnology
Social Care roles:
Care/Support worker
Social worker
Mental Health Support
Personal assistant
Occupational therapist
Other roles:
Administration & Financial
Support roles i.e. cleaning, cooking
Team Leader
Analytical & Project Management
Technician
2) Why Work in Health and Social Care?
Make a difference 💖: Support people to live independently and with dignity.
Flexible careers 🔄: Full-time, part-time, and shift-based roles available.
Career progression 📈: Clear pathways from entry-level to leadership.
Job security 💼: High demand across Greater Manchester.
Personal growth 🧠: Develop skills in communication, empathy, and problem-solving.
3) Is a Career in Health and Social Care Right for You?
Working in health and social care is about more than qualifications — it’s about who you are.
Successful care professionals share these core values:
Kindness & Compassion – You care about others and want to help.
Trust & Reliability – People can count on you.
Respect – You treat everyone with dignity.
Courageous & principled – You speak up and do what’s right.
See the Whole Person – You value each individual’s story.
Flexibile & Open – You’re ready to learn and adapt.
Proud & Positive – You take pride in your work and its impact.
Explore Your Fit
Try the Skills for Care interactive video challenge: 🎥 A Question of Care
Receive a personal profile and discover if you’ve got what it takes to thrive in a care role.
4) What Qualifications Do You Need?
Health and social care careers are accessible to everyone - people of all ages and from all backgrounds; people that drive and don’t drive; and people just starting out or aiming for leadership.
Here's a breakdown of qualifications by role level:
No Qualifications Needed
Many entry-level roles focus on values, attitude, and willingness to learn rather than academic credentials. Basic literacy and numeracy (GCSEs) are often helpful but not essential. Employers often provide on-the-job training.
Examples:
- Care Assistant / Support Worker
- Healthcare Assistant
- Phlebotomist
- Domestic roles (e.g. cleaning, portering)
Entry-Level Qualifications
Boost your confidence, employability and help you progress faster:
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Level 2 Diploma / Level 3 Award in Health & Social Care – Covers basic care principles, safeguarding, and communication.
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Care Certificate - A nationally recognised set of standards for care workers.
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Apprenticeships - Earn while you learn in roles like HCA or Support Worker.
Mid-Level Qualifications
For those with some experience or aiming to specialise:
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Level 3 Diploma / NVQ – Senior Care Assistant, Specialist Support worker, Qualified Pharmacy Technician.
- Specialist units (e.g. dementia care, autism support, mental health awareness).
Management & Leadership
To move into supervisory or senior positions in both health and care settings:
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Level 4–5 Diplomas – Team leadership and strategic management.
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Aspiring Leaders programmes - Tailored CPD for future managers.
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Degree-level qualifications for registered roles (e.g. Nurse, Midwife, Social Worker, Occupational Therapist, Radiographer).
Flexible Pathways
- You can start without qualifications, gain experience, and train while working.
- Many employers offer funded training and career progression routes.
- Apprenticeships and micro-credentials allow you to build skills quickly and move up.
5) Where Can I Train in Manchester?
A range of work experience, volunteering and pre-employment support, skills and qualifications opportunities are available in Manchester.
You can study Health & Social Care at:
6) What Jobs Are Available Right Now?
Employers that will be there on the day:
- Manchester Foundation Trust
- Manchester City Council – Disability Supported Accommodation Services & Reablement Teams
- North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust
- Turning Point
- Cera Care
- Heritage Healthcare (Cheadle and Wilmslow)
- Care Success Services
- Bluebird Care (Manchester South)
- Comprehensive Care LTD
- Vestacare (UK) LTD
- Creative Support
- Arborvitae Care Services
- Pure Innovations
- Time Specialist Support
- HC-ONE
- Standwalk LTD
- PSS Shared Lives Manchester
Job search websites 🔍:
Here are a few websites listing current Health and Social Care vacancies in Manchester:
Care Jobs might be advertised on job websites such as:
7) Useful Links and Support
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Whether you're looking to train, upskill, or apply for jobs now, there’s a place for you in Manchester’s health and social care workforce.
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