How I balance university and working as a Bank Care Assistant at Anchor

Sam Shaw works as a Bank Care Assistant while studying at university. In this blog, they share how they got started with no experience and how bank work fits around their studies.

When people hear that I work in care while studying Criminology at university, one of the first things they usually ask is how I fit everything in.

The truth is, working bank shifts at Anchor gives me the flexibility to build work around my studies, while doing something that feels genuinely rewarding.

I currently work as a Bank Care Assistant at Northbourne Care Home, supporting residents with day-to-day care, companionship, and helping make sure they feel safe, comfortable and supported.

Starting in care with no experience

I found out about the opportunity through family, and I decided to give it a go.

I didn’t come into this role with a background in care and I quickly realised that you don’t need years of experience to work in a care home. What really matters is being kind, patient, willing to learn, and genuinely wanting to help people.

From the beginning, I was given training and support that helped me feel confident in the role, and I’ve continued learning ever since.

Why bank work fits around my life

One of the biggest reasons bank work suits me is the flexibility.

Because I’m at university, my schedule changes throughout the year. Being able to pick up shifts when I’m available makes a huge difference.

When I’m home from university during Easter or Christmas, I’m also able to work at Wharfeside Care Home, which means I can keep working even when I’m away from term-time.

Shift lengths vary depending on what the home needs.

Sometimes I’ll work 12-hour shifts, and other times I’ll do five or six hours. That flexibility makes it much easier to balance work around studying and everything else going on in life.

I think bank work could suit lots of people, such as students like me, parents, carers, or anyone looking for work that fits around other commitments.

What working in care is really like

No two shifts are ever the same, which is something I really enjoy.

Some days I might be helping residents with personal care or supporting them to get ready for the day. Other times I’m helping at mealtimes, encouraging people to join activities, updating care records, or simply spending time chatting with residents.

A big part of the role is also about the small things - being present, noticing how someone is feeling, and making sure they feel comfortable, supported and valued.

Because you get to know residents well, you start to pick up on those little changes too, and that helps you make sure they’re getting the right support at the right time.

The most rewarding part of the job

For me, the best part of working in care is the residents.

I love anything that gets me working closely with them. Especially doing the tea round, you can have a proper natter with them.

Those small moments are what make the job so special.

Some shifts are busy, and yes, they can be tiring, but at the end of the day, I always feel good about what I’m doing.

Knowing you’ve helped someone feel safe, cared for, or simply made their day a little brighter is hard to beat.

Feeling part of the team

One thing people sometimes ask about bank work is whether you still feel part of the team.
For me, absolutely.

We’re a close-knit home, so I often see the same faces when I’m in. We also stay connected between shifts, whether that’s helping cover shifts or just chatting in our group chats.

Even though I’m bank, I’ve always felt included and supported.

Thinking about a career in care?

If you’re looking for work that offers flexibility, training, and the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives, bank care work at Anchor could be a great place to start.

No professional care experience? That’s absolutely fine – we provide the training and development you need to succeed, including nationally recognised qualifications (NVQs/QCFs).

Explore our latest bank care vacancies and find out where a career in care could take you.
Check out our bank vacancies here: Anchor: Search & Apply

Sam Shaw is a Bank Care Assistant at Anchor