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Aid Worker
Healthcare

How to become an Aid Worker

What does an Aid Worker do?

Want a career where you can really make a difference? You should become an Aid Worker… Aid Workers help to provide care and develop sustainable solutions for people affected by emergencies, or for those living in developing countries.Work in this sector is diverse, and could involve dealing with a variety of developmental and environmental issues – as well as natural disasters and war. Many Aid Workers are also responsible for developing projects to improve problem areas such as education, health, human rights, and sanitation.Although most Aid Workers operate on the front-line, administrative positions are available in the UK.Typical duties for an Aid Worker could include:
  • Assessing emergency situations and distributing aid
  • Carrying out assessments to understand needs
  • Researching project requirements
  • Maintaining safety and security in unstable areas
  • Managing projects and monitoring their effectiveness
  • Sourcing and collecting equipment (e.g. medicines, tools)
  • Handling budgets and assigning resources

Is a career as an Aid Worker right for me?

Aside from excellent problem solving skills and the ability to work well under pressure, you’ll also need to be able to communicate well with all kinds of people – no matter what situation they’re in.Passion and enthusiasm for the cause you’re supporting is also essential, as it’s this drive that will help you to plan and implement projects that will really make a difference to people’s lives.And, as you’ll also rely on the support of your team, the ability to work well with others is key.To become an Aid Worker, you’ll also need to be:
  • Willing to live and work in undeveloped areas
  • Able to prioritise and delegate tasks
  • Patient and organised
  • Motivational
  • Able to make decisions
  • Goal-driven

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Career progression and salary expectations for an Aid Worker

1

Team Administrator

| Up to £18,000
2

Project Manager

| Up to £30,000
3

Field Coordinator

| Up to £40,000

Get qualified as an Aid Worker

Gaining relevant work experience (alongside a degree related to your field of interest) is essential if you want to become an Aid Worker. Many local and international internships are available, and volunteering is also a great way to build your practical expertise.

Recommended Aid Worker courses

  • A Complete Guide to Emergency Paediatric First Aid Training

    Training Express Ltd
    15 Courses Bundle | CPD Accredited | Free PDF & Hard Copy Certificate included | Free Retake Exam | Lifetime Access
    • Online
    • 80 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 150 CPD points
    • Tutor support
    Great service
    ✩ Trusted by Over 10K Business Partners & 1 Million Students Around the World! ✩ Are you ready to boost your knowledge and skills in emergency care for children? In our fast-paced world, being able to respond effectively in emergencies is not just helpful—it's essential. Wit …
    £100

  • Ambulance and Emergency Care Assistant With Complete Career Guide

    Training Express Ltd
    10 FREE Certificates | 10 CPD Accredited Courses | Unlimited Retake | Lifetime Access
    • Online
    • 60 hours · Self-paced
    • Certificate(s) included
    • 100 CPD points
    • Tutor support
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    Embark on a journey into the dynamic world of emergency care with our "Ambulance and Emergency Care Assistant With Complete Career Guide" course. Learn essential first-aid techniques, paediatric care, and ambulance maintenance. Acquire the skills to handle breathing problems, fra …
    £50

What's it like to be an Aid Worker?

"Aid work is extremely rewarding, but it doesn’t come without its challenges. It took a few years of volunteering and helping out with various projects both overseas, and in the UK, to get where I am now. My day-to-day could involve anything from handing out care packages and working on large healthcare projects, to pushing for funding and sponsorship. Strategic planning is also a big part of what I do, as it helps to manage disasters effectively and create long-term solutions. The hardest experience so far was providing aid after the Nepal earthquake in 2015 – but it was also the most rewarding. Thinking that I helped at least a few people deal with the disaster is incredibly humbling."

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