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Due to essential maintenance, the following systems will be unavailable from 6.00pm on Monday 2 October until 8.00am on Tuesday 3 October: our online council tax, business rates and housing benefit services, and our welfare assistance form. You will also not be able to register to pay council tax online, make a change of address for council tax or cancel single person discount. You are still able to make a payment during this time. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Free training to start a career in Adult Social Care


The Care Academy offers free and flexible training to give you all the skills you need to start a career in adult social care - including personalised support and guaranteed interviews.

Make a real difference to lives of those who need our support the most

If you've got a caring nature and would like to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people in County Durham, this course is a great opportunity to get entry-level skills to begin a rewarding career in adult social care.   

Note: the first 10 seconds of this video contains fast scrolling/flashing content.

Icon for pdf Care Academy - Routeway into Adult Social Care transcript (PDF, 92.6kb)

This free, part-time course runs over 6 weeks and can be either face-to-face or online.

The qualifications you gain at the end of the course will give you a good basis for starting your career and includes Food Hygiene, First Aid, and key elements of the care certificate.

There's no exams - just assessments!

We work closely with local social care organisations and will arrange a guaranteed interview with a local employer when you complete the course. and you'll get a free Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if you are successful.

Course content

Course starting dates and times

This course is delivered via both a virtual classroom where you will need access to a computer/laptop and internet, and in community venues.

Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP) - Routeway into Adult Social Care

SWAP is training approved by the Job Centre.

If you would like to find out more about any of the courses or would like to enrol please contact us.

VenueDayTimeStart DateNumber of weeks
Face to face (Seaham Town Hall, Stockton Road, Seaham, Co Durham, SR7 0HP)Monday and Tuesday9.30am - 3.00pm25 September 20236
Face to face (Newton Aycliffe Youth and Community Centre, Dl5 4HT)Monday and Tuesday9.30am - 3.00pm29 January 20246
Face to face (Cornerstones, Chester le Street, DH3 3TF)Monday and Tuesday9.30am - 3.00pm29 April 20246

If you would like to find out more about any of the courses or would like to enrol please complete the Adult Social Care expression of interest form.