Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust is collaborating with JobCentre Plus and Buckinghamshire College Group to provide a new six-week training course for the unemployed.
The ‘Positive Steps’ taster programme gives job seekers an insight into the role of a Healthcare Assistant – and guarantees them an interview for a permanent job after successful completion.
54-year-old Mark Ferris, who was made redundant after 30 years in the IT industry just as the Covid-19 pandemic started, was one of the first graduates and is now employed full-time at Amersham Hospital.
Mark said: “I’d been thinking about a career change and looking after my elderly parents had made me think about moving into care. On my placement I began looking after patients from the very first day, paired up with an experienced senior colleague on the morning care round.
“I was hooked immediately and loved every minute. There was lots of on job-the-job training and a great team spirit. I’m now in a position to make a real difference to people’s lives and feel really valued.”
Positive Steps runs for six weeks, with each week including:
- Three days on a hospital ward, working with an experienced mentor to support patients with personal care, making beds, help with meals and other duties
- One day a week at Buckinghamshire College Group’s Aylesbury campus studying for the BTEC Level 1 Introduction to Health and Social Care and undergoing to the Building Futures employability and interviews skills programme
- One day a week of self-study and reflection
The next Positive Steps programme starts on 28th February, with more planned throughout the year. Candidates may get some financial help depending on their personal circumstance.
If you are unemployed and are interested in applying for Positive Steps, contact your work coach at your local JobCentre Plus or email bucks.employeradviserteam@dwp.gov.uk
Find out more about becoming a Healthcare Assistant and see current vacancies at Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust or email bht.recruitment@nhs.net
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