Learn how to attract, recruit and develop young people in adult social care. Explore apprenticeships, work experience, values-based recruitment and practical resources to help build your future workforce.
Recruit young people into adult social care. Young people bring enthusiasm, fresh ideas and long-term potential to adult social care. By recruiting early-career talent, you can build a sustainable workforce while giving young people the opportunity to start a rewarding career that makes a real difference.
Whether you're employing your first young worker or looking to strengthen your recruitment pipeline, there are practical ways to attract, recruit and develop the next generation of care professionals.
Why recruit young people?
Recruiting young people can help your organisation:
- build a sustainable workforce for the future
- strengthen succession planning
- develop future leaders
- bring fresh perspectives and new ideas into your teams
- widen and diversify your talent pool
- recruit for values and develop skills through training and experience.
With the right support, young people can progress from entry-level roles into specialist positions, leadership roles and regulated professions such as nursing, occupational therapy and social work.
Recruit for values and potential
Previous care experience isn't always essential. Many young people already have the values and behaviours needed to succeed in adult social care.
Communication, teamwork, empathy and problem-solving can be developed through education, volunteering, part-time work, caring responsibilities or community activities.
Many employers use values-based recruitment to identify people with the right attitudes and behaviours, then provide the training and support they need to succeed.
Create opportunities for young people
There are many ways to introduce young people to careers in adult social care, including:
- apprenticeships
- work experience placements
- taster days
- entry-level roles
- supported internships (where appropriate)
- partnerships with schools, colleges and training providers.
These opportunities help young people gain practical experience while earning, learning and building the skills needed for a successful career.
Support young people to succeed
A positive start helps young people build confidence, develop their skills and remain in the sector. Consider offering:
- a structured induction
- regular supervision and mentoring
- opportunities to gain qualifications while working
- ongoing learning and development
- clear career progression.
The Care Workforce Pathway can help you support career development, providing clear progression routes and expectations at every stage.
Work with schools and colleges
Building relationships with education providers is an effective way to promote careers in adult social care and connect with future recruits. You could:
- attend careers fairs
- offer workplace visits
- provide work experience placements
- deliver careers talks and classroom presentations
- promote apprenticeships and entry-level roles
- work with careers advisers to showcase career opportunities.
These activities help raise awareness of the sector and challenge common misconceptions about working in care.
Employing 16 and 17-year-olds
Young people aged 16 and 17 can work in adult social care in appropriate roles, provided employers meet the relevant legal requirements and ensure suitable supervision and support.
Our guidance explains your responsibilities and highlights the benefits of employing younger workers.
Learn how to attract, recruit and develop young people in adult social care. Explore apprenticeships, work experience, values-based recruitment and practical resources to help build your future workforce.