Train for a career supporting others

Gaining first-hand experience through work placements in education, nursing homes and other care settings can look amazing on your CV and is a key focus on our Health & Social Care courses.

Making a difference in communities

In Abingdon, Witney and other local communities, students gain work experience whilst helping with key services, including providing care and company to the elderly in Sovereign Housing residential homes.

The Health & Social Care department at the College is a supportive, inclusive and exciting place to learn

Our high-quality nursing room facilities are perfect for practical training. Growing your ability and confidence in using health and care equipment, like bed hoists and heart rate monitors, will be complemented by learning about the industry and the exciting range of careers that cross into both sectors.

We invite experienced healthcare professionals from local and national organisations to the college, to give students a realistic understanding of the kind of skills that are needed in these careers.

Along with an exciting teambuilding activity day in the first few weeks of college, there are further visits that will put into perspective what you're learning at college, such as residential homes, ambulance stations, and a residential trip abroad.

Staff Profile: Lara Hogg

Staff Profile: Lara Hogg

Lara always knew she wanted to be a teacher, but wasn’t completely sure what to teach.

Having originally trained to become a primary school teacher, she decided to enrol on a Further Education teaching course and worked at a college in Leicestershire for ten years. She then relocated to Oxfordshire three years ago and joined Abingdon & Witney College as a Lecturer in Health & Social Care.

"I think the best part of my job is that every day is different; you never what you are going to get from one day to the next.

I love teaching, and I love teaching students skills that they can use in their chosen career and everyday life.

Coming to college allows students to experience freedom and responsibility after being in a school environment, meaning they also have the opportunity to develop their independence whilst still being part of a nurturing environment. I think these are essential skills that will later contribute to a successful working life for my students."

Did you know?

Hannah

Previous school:
The Bicester School


My favourite part of the course was definitely the placements – that's where you work with an employer for a few weeks to get a feel for a career. I did mine with students with learning disabilities, where I worked one-to-one with some amazing people.

I also had a placement at my old primary school, where I helped to teach the children how to write and played educational games with them.

Now I've finished my course, I am taking a gap year and plan to work in a nursery full time until I go to university the following year to study Childhood Studies.

Ben

Previous school:
Matthew Arnold School


The College has an amazing reputation for teaching health and social care, and I chose this course as I would love to work as an adult nurse.

We have so much more independence here, which really helps me mentally and with balancing my part-time work and studies. Some of the enrichment activities have also helped me break my fears.

I learn so many things I didn’t know before, and I can’t wait for more positive experiences on this course.

Joanna

Previous school:
Rye St Antony


Health & Social Care has always been a subject I was keen to study, and I've always wanted to work with the elderly.

My sister had been at the College before me and said she really enjoyed it. Her positive feedback made me keen to try it out and now I'm here, I feel I'm definitely on the right course. It's a really interesting subject and a career I want to go into.

Best of all, I've been making friends for life here and the College environment is great (especially getting hot chocolates from Costa).

Hannah

Previous school:
King Alfred's Academy


The College staff and my tutors are so helpful and supportive to make things easier for me. I feel more motivated to come to college and feel included, as things can be flexible and adjusted to support my autism.

I like the independence of college life and the facilities, one example is the space in the library where you can work quietly. The College and some of its staff have helped improve and build my confidence and because I’ve also completed courses in Art & Design and Public Services, I feel I have lots of career options now.

Now I’m on the Health & Social Care Level 3 course, which I enjoy. I chose this because I care for my sister who has autism and mental health issues. In the future I want to improve the care services, and make life more accessible for those with autism. This is something I’m very passionate about.

I also won a Student of the Year Award this year. It was exciting to win and to go to the Awards with my family, I’m really proud of myself and it’s something that will look great on my CV.

Your future career

Care Assistant for the Elderly

Health Visitor

Home-based Carer

Learning Disabilities Carer

Mental Health Nurse

Midwife

Nurse

Paramedic

Social Worker

Health & Social Care Course Listings

Health and Social Care in Early Years Sectors Level 1

School Leaver CFAM100P

This introductory course will give you an insight into both the health and social care and early years sectors, and will enable you to explore the types of roles within each sector. Are you caring and compassionate and interested in a career helping ...

11th Sept 2023 - 5th Jul 2024

Monday to Friday

Health & Social Care

Abingdon Campus

View course details
Health and Social Care in Early Years Sectors Level 1

School Leaver CFWQ100P

This introductory course will give you an insight into both the health and social care and early years sectors, and will enable you to explore the types of roles within each sector. Are you caring and compassionate and interested in a career helping ...

11th Sept 2023 - 5th Jul 2024

Monday to Friday

Health & Social Care

Witney Campus

View course details
Health and Social Care in Early Years Sectors Level 2

School Leaver CFWT300P

This course provides the basics for working within a wide range of settings such as schools and care homes, with a variety of care users, from children to the elderly. Transition Programmes are a brand new type of qualification designed to prepare yo...

11th Sept 2023 - 5th Jul 2024

Monday to Friday

Health & Social Care

Witney Campus

View course details
Health T Level

School Leaver CFAT200P

T-Levels are a brand new type of qualification designed to give young people a new two-year, full-time study vocational programme equivalent to 3 A Levels. These new qualifications bring classroom learning and an extended industry placement together ...

11th Sept 2023 - 11th Jul 2025

Monday to Friday

Health & Social Care

Abingdon Campus

View course details
Health T Level

School Leaver CFWT200P

T-Levels are a brand new type of qualification designed to give young people a new two-year, full-time study vocational programme equivalent to 3 A Levels. These new qualifications bring classroom learning and an extended industry placement together ...

11th Sept 2023 - 11th Jul 2025

Monday to Friday

Health & Social Care

Witney Campus

View course details