[E]IGHT unemployed residents have secured jobs in the care sector as a result of an employability programme delivered in Whitehaven.
Human Support Group, based in Hensingham, has been working with partners in Copeland Work & Skills Partnership as part of a sector-based work academy to prepare and recruit people for their business. Eight candidates have now been offered part-time carer positions as a result of the scheme.
Specifically targeting unemployed local residents, the sector based work academy – the latest run as part of the Copeland Work & Skills Programme – has included pre-employment skills with an emphasis on the care sector, short course training, mock interviews and work experience. All applicants had guaranteed job interviews towards the end of the programme.
The initial 11 candidates who signed up to the programme were referred by the Department of Work & Pensions and other organisations who are members of the Partnership.
Colleagues from Human Support Group helped to shape the bespoke programme and have been proactive in delivery which has prepared candidates before entering work, and for when they commence work. Through the programme candidates have acquired knowledge and skills relevant to the care industry including dignity and care, values in care, working with vulnerable people, equality / diversity, administering medication and safeguarding. They have also received support in completing employer application forms undertaken training in Essential First Aid (Level 3).
Leanne Scrogham, Registered Branch Manager at Human Support Group, Whitehaven, said: “I am extremely proud of the achievements of all the candidates who have been a part of the scheme, both I and my care colleagues look forward to working with the successful candidates and helping to support and encourage them to develop in their new career path with us here at HSG.”
Sector-based work academies are part of an overall programme of activities being delivered by Copeland Work & Skills Partnership until June 2019. Copeland Community Fund is funding the activities, while Copeland Borough Council is funding a staff member for three years to devise and deliver them.
The partners in the Copeland Work and Skills Partnership are: Copeland Borough Council, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Cumbria County Council, Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service, Cumbria Youth Alliance, Department for Work and Pensions, Gen2, Groundwork North East and Cumbria, Home to Work/Works 4 You Ltd, Howgill Children’s and Family Centre, Impact Housing, Inspira, Lakes College, Millom Network Centre, Phoenix Enterprise Centre and West Cumbria Works.
Any businesses with vacancies and who are interested in being involved in a sector-based work academy, contact Chris Pickles on 01946 598326 or chris.pickles@copeland.gov.uk.
