The County Durham Care Academy supports people of all ages to start a fulfilling career in Care.

Like Jamie from Esh Winning who was inspired to work in social care after he took on the responsibility of becoming a full-time carer for his grandad when he was just at 16.

Jamie initially thought about being a police officer when he left school, but the experience of being a carer for two and a half years made him determined to pursue a career in care.

The County Durham Care Academy supports unpaid carers to use their skills and experience to start rewarding careers as social care professionals.

Now 23, Jamie is an experienced carer looking after people in their own homes around Esh Winning and is looking to progress in social care.

The Northern Echo:

“It’s a big responsibility but I really love my job because those I look after are all lovely people. You really get used to being with them, and they become like your family after a while,” he says. “A lot of the clients live by themselves, so it makes their day when I arrive, and I love that feeling of putting something back into society.”

If, like Jamie, you’re looking for a fulfilling job that makes a real difference to people’s lives, the County Durham Care Academy can give you the support you need, including free, personalised and flexible training to kick-start your career in social care.

Find your ideal job in social care today: www.durham.gov.uk/careacademy