The Health Care and Social Care Academy has been created to give people in Powys the opportunity to access different types of education in health and social care so that we have the right people in the right place to look after the people of Powys.
The Health, Care and Social Care Academy have designed and delivered a schools and colleges educational programme (ACEES) across Powys with the aim to empower young people to make informed choices about what future careers within the health and social care sector could look like and to have a greater understanding of other options and places to work and study within the county.
This page highlights the exciting opportunities in health and social care across Powys, shared with you during the academy visit to your school.
Remember there is a role for everyone, whatever your passion is, within health and social care!
Please click the image below to learn more about the academy, health and social care services in Powys and the ACEES scheme.
Staff stories/ journeys
Sharon Frewin, Head of Adult Services at Powys County Council, says she has “the best job in the world.”
Sharon didn’t start out in a high-up role she began by volunteering in her local community. That experience led to her first job as a Community Support Officer, where she helped people with everyday challenges. Wanting to do more, she trained to become a Learning Disabilities Nurse. Over time, through hard work and passion, Sharon moved up the ladder and is now one of the most senior leaders in adult social care across the county. Her journey shows how a career in care can grow into something truly rewarding and how making a difference in people’s lives can also shape your own future.
Click on the image to hear more about Sharon’s inspiring story.
Kara Price, Transformation Programme Manager for Diagnostics and Planned Care, working across Powys.
Kara has been part of Powys Teaching Health Board for over ten years. In that time, she’s built up a lot of experience and developed a strong passion for improving healthcare services for people across the county. Her job focuses on finding better ways to deliver care, helping to make sure patients get the support and treatment they need. For Kara, making a difference to people’s health and wellbeing is what makes the role so rewarding.
Click on the image to hear more about Kara’s inspiring journey.
Eleri Sargent, Speech and Language Therapist, working with both adults and children across Powys.
Eleri's work focuses mainly on helping people with swallowing difficulties a role that can make a big difference in someone’s daily life. Eleri was inspired to become a Speech and Language Therapist through her own personal experiences, which sparked a passion for helping others communicate and live more comfortably. Now, she’s turning that passion into a rewarding career, supporting people of all ages to improve their health and wellbeing.
Click on the image to learn more about Eleri’s journey into speech and language therapy.
Meet Helen Farmer, Primary and Community Care Academy Manager at Powys Teaching Health Board.
Who is a carer?
A carer is anyone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend, or neighbour who is disabled, has a long-term condition or illness, or needs extra help due to age.
Why caring matters
Carers play a vital role in supporting loved ones, contributing significantly to society and the economy. However, many face challenges balancing care with work and personal life, often at the expense of their own health and wellbeing.
You don’t have to care alone
Caring can be fulfilling, but it can also be isolating and overwhelming. Support is available. Carers UK offers expert advice, guidance, and resources to help you manage your caring role at home, at work, or wherever you are. Carers UK
In Powys, Credu listen, offer support, respite opportunities, connection to others and a place to share your voice as a carer. You can self refer on their website www.credu.cymru or call 03330143377.
Volunteering
The voluntary sector in Powys consists of diverse, not-for-profit organisations. Across Wales, over 12,000 groups contribute to health and social care, employing 39,000 people and supported by 60,000 volunteers. Services include clinical care (such as hospices), health education, advocacy, befriending, mental health, and community support, often with a preventative or early-intervention focus.
Careers in the sector provide a values-based approach to health and well-being. Smaller, local organisations offer rewarding work-life balance, strong community ties, and a focus on quality of service over profit.
Volunteering brings many benefits: a sense of belonging, skill development, teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. It strengthens CVs, showing commitment and practical skills, and helps young people explore career paths or rule out unsuitable options.
In Powys, volunteer opportunities are easy to access. Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations supports young people through a dedicated Youth Volunteering Officer and Volunteer Officers who help match volunteer roles to lifestyle and study needs.
Click the image to learn about Hannah’s journey in volunteering.
For further information please click here: PAVO
Curious about a career in health or care? Try it out!
Not sure what job might suit you? That’s okay, we offer work experience placements so you can test out different roles and see what feels right for you.
Here in Powys, we’re all about helping young people get started. We team up with local schools, colleges, and Careers Wales to show you the huge variety of jobs available in health and care. You might also spot our colleagues at careers events, sharing what it’s really like to work in these roles.
Want to know more or get involved? Just reach out — we’d love to hear from you!
Learn on the job, Earn as you go
Apprenticeships
An apprenticeship is a great way to gain real work experience while working towards recognised qualifications—including English, Maths, and ICT. You’ll learn the full scope of a role, not just individual tasks, and get paid while you train.
If you're 16 or over and not in full-time education, you can apply. Apprenticeships are open to everyone, regardless of age.
Programmes usually last between 12 months and 4 years. Most of your learning will happen in the workplace, with some sessions at a college or training provider. You’ll also have time set aside to study and complete your coursework.
Why choose an apprenticeship?
- Earn while you learn
- Gain nationally recognised qualifications
- Build practical, job-ready skills
- Get real-world experience employers value
Ready to take the next step?
Explore opportunities and start your apprenticeship journey today.
Interested?
Aspiring nurse
Train to be a nurse without leaving Powys!
Earn a full-time salary, gain hands-on experience, and study for a fully funded nursing degree through our academic partners.
This flexible, three-year programme combines online learning with local placements—no experience needed, just your passion to care.
