A new employment & skills academy is offering people living in Newry, Mourne and Down District Council the opportunity to start a new career in the Health and Social Care sector.
The Health and Social Care Employment Academy is a one-week programme that provides training in partnership with Southern Health and Social Care Trust (SHSCT) and delivered by People 1st, with the aim of helping people start a new career in caring. It is funded by the Department for Communities through the Newry, Mourne and Down Labour Market Partnership.
The programme, which will take place during the month of March 2022, is free to register for and is open to people who are not currently in employment or who are working less than 16 hours per week. Over the week participants will gain new skills to improve their employability, find out more about the care sector and gain new interview skills, as well as benefiting from one-to-one mentoring support. On completion, participants will be guaranteed a job interview with the SHSCT, and opportunities to apply for live vacancies within the Trust.
The training will be targeted at equipping participants with the skills to fill a number of roles at the SHSHT, including Care Assistant, Domiciliary Care worker and Support workers. For those who are successful in obtaining jobs with the SHSCT, there will be further opportunity for career progression.
Speaking about the Academy Cllr Cathy Mason, Chair of Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, said: “We are delighted to launch the Health and Social Care Employment Academy and support the Southern Health and Social Care Trust as they open the door to new career opportunities. The Academy will be the perfect way to get participants ready to take on a new challenge in the Health and Social Care sector, in roles which will have a really positive impact on the lives of so many. I would encourage anyone who thinks that working in care is a career that might appeal to them to consider signing up and supporting those more vulnerable in our communities.”
Monica McAlister Assistant Director, from the Southern Health & Social Care Trust, added: “Delivering care and support is an essential part of our health system, and it is so important to many people who are recovering or are living with ill health. Filling these roles has been a challenge particularly over the last 2 years , but those who do this work find it fulfilling and rewarding, even when it is difficult. We hope that the Health and Social Care Employment Academy will identify new candidates who will be able to join our team and help us deliver support and care right across the Southern Health & Social Care Trust area.”
Participation in the Health and Social Care Employment Academy is free and is open to anyone living in the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area who are currently out of work or working less than 16 hours a week. Experience in care giving is desirable, but not essential.
You can register interest by emailing academy@people-1st.co.uk and the closing date is Friday 11 March 2022.