Young and Compassionate: Starting a Care Career Before 18

Can young people under 18 work in care? The short answer to that question is yes!

It's perfectly legal to work in care if you're 16 or 17. In fact, joining the care sector at this age brings benefits to the employer and the employee. If you're applying for jobs and you're told no because of your age, our recommendation is - keep trying.

We've put together the key points to be aware of when working in care if you're under 18.

Working In Care If You're Under 18

Care organisations report many benefits from employing people under 18. However, the circumstances need to be right - which is why you might need to keep trying to find the right position and organisation. 

Employers have a duty to their employees and the people in their care. We’ll look at the multiple benefits of hiring young people, but it’s essential to note that hiring managers also need to consider the bigger picture. A care team needs varying levels of experience, which means it is likely to be made up of young employees and those who have worked in the industry for longer. 

If you’re under 18, there are expectations on what you do with your time depending on where you live. Those expectations set out that you should either be in full-time education, completing an apprenticeship or spending 20 hours or more per week in work or volunteering if you’re in part-time education or training. You don't have to wait until you are 18 or over to start a career in care, but your work will need to be combined with an apprenticeship, education or training. And care can offer that. 

Benefits for Employers

When an employer hires a young person it brings many benefits to the organisation and the team. Having employees from younger generations brings fresh thinking, which can lead to improved communication and problem-solving. People from different generations also have varied strengths due to different upbringings, such as growing up with technology in their lives. 

It’s crucial to note that just because someone is young, it doesn’t mean they don’t have useful lived experience that they can bring to the role. This experience can help them relate to the people they’re supporting, whether they are a similar age or much older. A different background or perspective helps reveal new ways of doing things, which is especially beneficial for teams that are set in their ways.

Benefits for Employees

There are lots of reasons why people who are 16 or 17 would seek out a job in the care sector. One key benefit of working in this sector is the opportunity to make a valuable contribution. Supporting others is rewarding. Not only that, but young people can learn a lot from supporting people of different ages and from different backgrounds. 

Getting a job in care when you’re 16 or 17 years old gives you a head start on discovering your passion and starting your career. Gaining experience at that age can help you improve your skills and progress quickly. There are plenty of potential career routes in the sector, and this early position creates a firm foundation for that.

While the long-term benefits are considerable, the short-term gains shouldn’t be overlooked. From the first few weeks, a job in the care sector will help young people earn money and learn valuable new skills. It’s also an excellent way to experience responsibility and grow in maturity.

What Employers Should Know

When an employer takes on someone who is under 18, there are several points they need to consider, which are covered by Skills for Care here. We’ve summarised the main ones so that you as an employee can understand what should happen.

• Your employer will need to see evidence that you are in education or undertaking training or an apprenticeship 

• Even though it’s legal to hire people under 18, your role and responsibilities will still come down to your abilities. For that reason, your employer will need to assess your competency and confidence 

• After hiring you, your employer should carry out a risk assessment and avoid giving you work duties where risk is involved 

• Your employer is required to put adequate support and supervision in place.

• Alongside support and supervision, you should be provided opportunities to shadow and work with more senior members of staff to learn from them

• Your employer should avoid assigning you to work night hours wherever possible. It is allowed under some circumstances, but only if there is no one over 18 to do it and it doesn’t affect your education, training or apprenticeship.

• Your employer must stick to the legal work hours for your age group. That means working no more than 8 hours a day and 40 hours per week. You should have 12 hours between shifts and a 30-minute break if you’re working more than 4.5 hours in one day

• Your pay should also meet the legal minimum for your age group

Be inspired by the opportunities in care!

Starting a career in care before the age of 18 is not just possible - it's an inspiring choice that can set you on a path to a fulfilling and meaningful future. While there may be challenges to finding the right opportunity, your determination and passion can open doors to incredible experiences.

By stepping into the care sector, you're not only making a difference in the lives of others but also gaining valuable skills, confidence, and a sense of purpose that will stay with you for life. Care work is a unique chance to grow as an individual, connect with people from diverse backgrounds, and contribute to something truly impactful.

If you're under 18 and considering a role in care, don’t let your age hold you back. The sector needs compassionate, driven, and energetic individuals like you. Remember, every great career starts with a single step - and yours could begin today. Keep learning, keep trying, and keep believing in your potential to change lives, including your own.

Good luck on your journey into care!