01/09/2026
“There’s no catch.”
Shirley Way, Head of Region (Midlands) at Skills for Care spoke about how Embark and Fairway are helping to open people’s eyes to the opportunities available within adult social care.
Sometimes people can be unsure when they’re offered support or a route into a new career, wondering what the catch might be. As Shirley put it, there really isn’t one. We’re here to support people, help them build their skills and create genuine opportunities to start and develop a career in care.
Shirley also spoke about the tangible outcomes she sees from this work, not just for the people entering the sector, but for the wider health and social care workforce and ultimately the people receiving care and support.
One of the highlights Shirley shared was how rewarding it is to see carers grow in confidence, skills and their careers. It was wonderful to hear this recognised by someone who knows the care sector so well, and a reminder of why creating these opportunities matters.