New qualifications needed for health and social carers, Qualifications Wales says

Qualifications Wales has advised that a new range of qualifications are needed to equip learners with the necessary skills for a career in health and social care.

The comment comes after Qualifications Wales carried out an in-depth analysis into the needs of the health and social care sector. The study maintained that there were a number of strengths in the current system but also made a series of recommendations.

The proposals included: developing a new suite of qualifications for learners in Wales to reduce complexity and raise quality; developing holistic, creative approaches to assess learners as they undertake qualifications; providing an introduction to roles in the sector by broadening the scope of qualifications available for pupils aged 14-16; and reducing duplication and repetition between qualifications at different levels.

Commenting on the report’s suggestions, Cassy Taylor, associate director for Vocational Qualification said: "Health and social care, which includes child care and playwork, encompasses so many different careers, including care workers in hospitals, childcare, residential homes for adults and children, and care at home.”

“The sector employs tens of thousands of people in Wales, caring for some of the most vulnerable members of society. Those who are tasked with these responsible jobs need to be properly qualified and have access to high quality training and learning.”