NAW '24

Spotlight On...

Health & Social Care (Dorset)

If you're thinking about a career within the health and social care sector, then it may help to understand something about what it offers, and what is happening locally in Dorset.

Dorset’s demographic profile, with its more aged population, means a higher proportion of local people are working in health and social care and this is set to create a variety of interesting and rewarding opportunities within the sector.

There are around 1,290 organisations engaged in health and social care in Dorset (UK Business Counts, 2021). Employers range from 885 micro private sector businesses to 15 large private and public sector organisations employing more than 250+ people each. Check the dashboard for employers currently hiring in the sector.

The NHS is the largest employer and recruiter as are many social care providers.

In 2020/21 there were around 1,850 people in Dorset started an apprenticeship in health, public services and care, with 615 apprenticeships completed during that year.(source: Health and Social Care Sector | Dorset LEP).

As can be seen from the Labour Market Intelligence (LMI) data produced by the Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), care workers and home carers was the second most in-demand job in the county. Swatpro offer adult care apprenticeships and qualifications from Level 2 to Level 5, supporting the sector to upskill the existing workforce and provide the requisite skills and knowledge development needed by individuals joining the sector.

The LMI figures (updated July 2022) showed that the main areas for employment in the healthcare sector were in Dorchester, Weymouth, Bournemouth and Christchurch. Whether you are looking at this sector as one for potential to start an exciting career in, or wanting to progress your existing career, it is helpful to consider what skills are required.

As could be expected the biggest requirement for job specific skills is "working with patients", but it's worth noting that "teamwork / collaboration", "dementia knowledge" and "administrative support" all feature very highly.

Communication, and interpersonal, skills are fundamental to a role in the healthcare sector, but if you are looking to progress your career, improving your organisational, leadership, and planning skills could be an area to reflect on. Swatpro offer the Business Administration, Team Leader / Supervisor, and Operational / Departmental Manager apprenticeships, which may help build upon your current levels of skills and knowledge in these areas.

In just about every sector, the demand for digital skills is increasing; healthcare is no exception. Understanding how to effectively utilise spreadsheets, word processors and presentation software are at the top of the list.

If you want to pursue a career in the healthcare sector, particularly adult care, please contact Swatpro now, to discuss how we might be able to support you in achieving your aims.