Opportunities to take up a 'caring career' in Cumbria will be showcased at a major recruitment event in Penrith next month.
The event has been organised by the county council and will provide an opportunity for staff to talk to experienced social workers from other areas, social work students or any other people looking to enter a career in social care in Cumbria.
Around one hundred potential applicants are expected to attend the recruitment fair at Rheged on Saturday 3 March.
Research published in recent year's shows that interest in social care and social work careers has been steadily growing:
- More than half (56%) of 16-21 year olds have considered a course or career which enables them to give more back to society. (1)
- More than a third (39%) of workers have considered swapping their job for one with less salary - but which had more personal rewards. (2)
- Social care workers rate themselves highest for job satisfaction (40% being "very happy"). (3)
It is hoped the event in Penrith will attract new recruits to work with a wide range of clients in Cumbria including young people, older people and people with physical and learning disabilities.
National and local newspaper advertising, appearing throughout February and March, will encourage potential applicants to register their interest in attending through a special website www.carefaircumbria.info
In return people will receive information packs which, alongside details on the different career opportunities in Cumbria, will also contain discounts for local hotels and tourist attractions.
Councillor Oliver Pearson, cabinet member for Adult Social Care in Cumbria, said: "This is a great opportunity for people considering a career in social care to come along and learn more about the wide range of professions available in the county.
"As well as jobs working for the county council, the event will also be showcasing the wide range of career opportunities available in the local independent sector.
Councillor Philip Chappelhow, cabinet member responsible for Children's Service in the county, said: "This is a terrific way to get more people thinking seriously about a career that is both mentally challenging, as well as emotionally rewarding."
To register interest in attending the event, people can log on to the website www.carefaircumbria.info by clicking on the link below, or telephone 01228 607190.
ENDS
Media enquries to Mark Graham, Media Officer on 01228-606337
Notes for editors
(1) MORI, September 2003. Data weighted to reflect GB population
(2) Community Care magazine survey, June 2002
(3) The City & Guilds of London Institute, March 2004
Log onto the carefaircumbria.info website.....