Sharon Quinn - Domestic Assistant, Residential Care

"I came to work here part-time, with hours I could fit around my 9-year old son. This is ideal. It's more rewarding than the office work I used to do. It seems more important to be here for people who need care. I was nervous at first about how I'd respond to the residents, but you learn to relate to the person not the illness. I work occasional shifts as a care assistant with supervision, and I might like to move into that job when I've got more experience."

Jill and Sharon work together in the same residential home. They came into social care work without any special qualifications, learning about the job vacancies through friends or family.

Jill is a care assistant with 9 years experience and has had a range of training. She recently started computer classes with a view to widening her work horizons.

Sharon has been trained in lifting and handling, as well as health and safety, and will have further training if she moves into a care assistant role, though her priority is balancing work and looking after her young son.