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From ‘I want to be a Social Worker’ to ‘I am a Social Worker’, James Ind, former HoW College student, shows us that your dream career can become a reality through hard work, dedication and gaining the right skills. But how did ‘I want’ turn to ‘I am’? Let’s start from the beginning.

James’ journey started in sixth form, but after not doing as well as planned, James decided college was the place for him and he studied Level 3 Health and Social Care at Heart of Worcestershire Colleges (HoW Colleges) Redditch campus. During his time at HoW College James learnt communication skills, compassion, empathy, writing skills, how to work independently and he also felt it prepared him for university – which then put him in a better position when studying at a higher academic level. James also found the placements during his course beneficial as they allowed him to develop skills working with all age groups.

After completing his Level 3, James took a gap year and deferred his placement at university. During his gap year James worked full-time for a year, saved money and worked in care in a residential home whilst also maintaining a retail customer service job. But James’ journey doesn’t stop there.

After James’ gap year he studied a Social Work Bachelor's degree at Coventry University and qualified as a Social Worker in 2021.

When talking about his time studying, James said:

“I also worked as a Health Care Assistant for the NHS whilst studying at university, I feel my Level 3 Health and Social Care qualification helped me get this job and be a Carer during my gap year.”

But where is James now?

James now works as a Social Worker at an adult's hospital as part of the Post Discharge Team and has been a social worker for two years now working in an industry that he always wanted to be a part of.