The demand for social care in Scotland is rising-and with it, the need for skilled, compassionate professionals who are ready to make a real difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s supporting older adults to live with dignity, helping individuals with complex needs thrive, or offering consistent care at home, this sector plays a vital role in our communities in Dumfries and Galloway and beyond.
But here’s the challenge: Scotland needs an estimated 53,000 additional social care staff by 2043 to keep up with demand. That’s equivalent to increasing the current workforce by nearly 25%. The need is driven by our ageing population, the complexity of care needs, and a sector-wide push to improve quality and consistency across services. On top of that, retention remains a concern, with over 30% of current care workers aged 50 and over, meaning succession planning is more urgent than ever. (Source: Skills Development Scotland, Sectoral Skills Assessment 2024)
Despite the challenges, this is a sector full of promise. There are meaningful, well-supported roles across the board-from care assistants and support workers to managers and community outreach leads. If you’ve ever thought about working in care, or know someone who has, now is the perfect time to act. And that’s where Dumfries and Galloway College comes in. We’re here to help learners of all ages start, switch or advance their journey in this essential field.
Social care isn’t just one job-it’s a wide sector packed with opportunities. Maybe you’re looking for your first role and want a qualification to help you get there. Or perhaps you’ve been working in care for a while and want to boost your skills and move into a leadership role. You might even be returning to work and looking for something with purpose. Whatever your situation, there’s a course here for you.
At Dumfries and Galloway College, we offer everything from entry-level social care training to professional qualifications that open up new pathways. Many
of our learners go on to roles in residential care, community support, mental health services, and more.
Our training is designed with people in mind. We know our learners are juggling real lives-family, jobs, responsibilities-so we offer flexible options, including part-time and distance learning. You’ll get hands-on experience, support from tutors who really understand the sector, and the confidence to step into work knowing you’re ready.
And it’s not just about qualifications. Studying social care gives you skills for life: empathy, patience, communication, critical thinking. These are the qualities that employers are looking for, and that make all the difference in care settings.
We also work directly with local employers to help their teams upskill. Our training is shaped by real-life needs, so whether you’re an individual learner or part of an organisation, you’ll be getting knowledge and experience that’s relevant and practical.
Social care is often misunderstood as a single path, but it’s anything but. It’s a sector filled with variety, from early years and youth work to adult support and older people’s services. If you enjoy helping people, want to build a career with strong job prospects, and care about your community, this could be exactly the right fit.
And let’s not forget the impact. When you work in care, you’re making someone’s day better. You’re helping them live more independently, more safely, and more confidently. Few careers offer that kind of purpose on a daily basis.
So if you’re looking for more than just a job—if you want a career that gives back—have a look at what we offer. You can browse our full list of social care courses here
At Dumfries and Galloway College, we believe in empowering learners, developing skills and creating real pathways into meaningful work. We’re proud to be supporting Scotland’s social care future-one learner at a time.