Social care jobs are the start of a lifetime of rewarding employment, says the Director of Social Care for the Department of Health.

Speaking at a recruitment event in Reading last week, Glen Mason told a crowd of around 600 people that there was a huge demand for new candidates in the sector. At the event, Mr Mason highlighted the number of domiciliary care jobs available at public, private and voluntary organisations throughout the country, as well as those in other areas of social work such as child, family and disability services.

He also noted that demand in the sector could only increase over time and that working in the area could start a lifetime career with many opportunities to progress professionally through work.

The Bracknell Forest Standard, a local Reading newspaper, reports Mr Mason as saying: "Whether it be in a residential home or working with people with disabilities, there is something for everyone and it will be a highly rewarding job."

“People often think you need qualifications for social care but that is not necessarily the case. There are many jobs out there that offer training as you go and people can start work and then develop into other areas. The job is very rewarding with a lot to offer the person doing the job and to the person they are helping."

“You can work for health organisations or in the private sector or even for individuals as their personal carer depending on what you want to do. The possibilities are endless and there is an opportunity out there for everyone.”

“We live in an ageing population so the demand for adult social care is already going to get greater and we are currently in the middle of our biggest ever recruitment drive. What we are trying to do is showcase social work and show people what job opportunities there are. Once you are in, it can open the door to a lifetime career.”