Keen interest in new apprenticeship programme
25 Jul 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
There has been very strong interest in a new apprenticeship programme which will equip people for a career in caring.
Thousands have engaged with information on social media channels and up to 400 people a day have visited a new website ‘Care for Life’ to find out more.
Information events are being held this week in Alnwick, Hexham and Cramlington - where prospective apprentices have had the opportunity to speak to members of council teams, learn more, and sign up!
The new and innovative programme with Northumberland County Council will provide training and on the job experience for anyone over 16. Apprentices will also receive a wage while they learn.
There is a widely recognised need for more people to work in adult social care, and the council aims to produce a pipeline of skilled and motivated care workers.
It will bust myths around care work, get more people into this fulfilling and rewarding area of employment, and produce future managers and leaders.
Apprentices will learn about all aspects of social care services - including residential, learning and physical disability, re-enablement and personal independence, ‘shared lives’ and short term support services.
The council’s learning and skills service will provide Adult Care Worker Level 2 aspects of the programme.
There are opportunities right across the county, with 30 places available this year in the first cohort.
Cllr Veronica Jones, said: “Through sufficient numbers and quality of social care workers we can make sure that our elderly and most vulnerable residents are well cared for.
“Our county is no different to other areas of the UK where there is a shortage of workers in social care, and recruitment is a challenge.
“We want to drive recruitment numbers across Northumberland, redress the demographic of social care workers, produce a ‘talent pipeline’ of skilled and motivated people and help produce the leaders of the future.
“This new programme will give apprentices a fantastic range of experience and knowledge of the social care sector in Northumberland.”
Cllr Wayne Daley, added: “In Northumberland we run very successful apprenticeship programmes, where over 90% of apprentices go on to full time work or further training.
“This new programme is providing great opportunities for aspirational young people, either school or college leavers, who are looking for rewarding work. But it’s not just for young people, anyone over 16 can apply.
“As an apprentice you gain work experience, do a nationally recognised qualification and earn a wage. It is a great way to develop skills and knowledge and become a confident and skilled worker.
“If you're interested in working in adult social care, an apprenticeship is a really good place to start.”
You can find out more about the Care For Life apprenticeship and how to apply at careforlife.org.uk or by phoning 01670 622104.