Nearly half of care workers unclear on career progression, NCFE finds
More than half (53%) of those currently working in the sector said they had considered changing careers, with one in four (25%) actively looking to do so.
Almost half of care workers either do not believe clear career progression pathways exist or are unsure they do, according to research from NCFE.
The specialist in social care qualifications surveyed more than 100 current and former care workers for its report, ‘Staying, leaving, or progressing? A snapshot of the social care workforce’.
It found that 45% of respondents either disagreed or were unsure that clear career progression pathways exist in social care.
More than half (53%) of those currently working in the sector said they had considered changing careers, with one in four (25%) actively looking to do so.
Despite this, 55% said they would recommend a career in care because of the opportunity to make a meaningful difference to people’s lives.
When asked what would best support career progression, 81% of respondents selected regulated qualifications, making it the most commonly identified factor. Better pay and working conditions were also ranked among the leading priorities.
Those considering leaving the sector cited poor pay, difficult working conditions and limited opportunities for career progression as the main reasons behind their decision.
Former care workers also pointed to burnout, mental health concerns and a lack of respect for the profession, while current workers highlighted staffing shortages, heavy workloads and low morale.
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