IT might not be the first thought on many students' career path, but Worcestershire County Council is keen to encourage more young people to become paid adult carers. The plan is that students who want to work irregular hours can fit the personal assistant role in around their study commitments.

Councillor Sheila Blagg, cabinet member with responsibility for adults social care, said: "Young carers do some amazing work by looking after family members and others in the community. It is important that we understand their views and make sure they get the advice, guidance and support they need to continue with such an important role or take the first steps to becoming a confident carer. The council recognises the important role that personal assistants will play in the future of adult social care and want to encourage more people to take it up as paid employment."

A personal assistant or a PA, in terms of social care, is the name used to describe someone who is employed by an individual in receipt of a 'personal budget' taken as a 'direct payment'. These carers are employed to support the individual and to help them with their daily life. As a personal assistant usually works in a client's home, this means they have lots of options about when and where they want to work, full or part time.

Anyone interested in becoming a personal assistant can register on the Carewise website where service users or clients can search for those people who best suit their requirements. For more information visitwww.whub.org.uk/carewise