How to Start a Career in Domiciliary Care With No Experience

Starting a career in domiciliary care can be both rewarding and life-changing, even if you have no prior experience. Also known as home care, this job is where you support individuals to live independently in their own homes. This involves helping with daily tasks, personal care, and emotional support. With growing demand for care professionals across the UK, it is one of the most accessible and meaningful career paths available today.

In this guide, we will explain how you can begin a career in domiciliary care with no experience, what employers look for, and how to progress once you’re in the role.

Domiciliary Care Training and Qualifications for Beginners

One of the biggest advantages of starting your career in care, is the training provided by your agency.

When you start, you can expect training in areas such as:

• Safeguarding
• Health and safety
• Infection prevention and control
• Moving and handling
• Basic first aid
• Medication awareness

Care Certificate

At Prospero Health & Social Care, we support new starters in completing the Care Certificate. This is a recognised set of standards for health and social care workers. This is ideal for those with no experience.

Ongoing Development

As you gain experience, you may also decide to strengthen your skill set with qualifications such as NVQs or diplomas in Health and Social Care, which can help long term with your career development to senior roles.

Common progression routes can include:

• Senior Care Worker
• Care Coordinator
• Team Leader or Supervisor
• Registered Care Manager
• Specialist roles (eg dementia, complex care)

With experience and qualifications, a job in care provides strong job security.

Why Choose a Career in Domiciliary Care as a Beginner?

There are many reasons people choose this role in care as a career, such as:

• High demand and job security
• Flexible working hours
• Meaningful, people-focused work
• Opportunities for training and progression
• The chance to support independence and dignity

How to Apply for Domiciliary Care Jobs with No Experience

When applying for roles, tailor your CV and application to highlight transferable skills.

Skills to include

Even if you have never worked in care, you may have relevant experience from:

• Customer service roles (communication, patience)
• Retail or hospitality (working under pressure, reliability)
• Volunteering or informal caring for family members
• Teamwork and problem-solving in any job

Personal Statement

Use your personal statement to explain: 

• Why you want to work in domiciliary care
• Your values and motivation for caring for others
• Your willingness to train and develop

Employers are often more interested in why you want the role, instead of where you have worked before.

Starting your Career in Domiciliary Care

Starting a career in this role is not only possible but encouraged. With the right attitude, compassion, and commitment, you can enter a profession that changes lives every day, including your own!