A unique workplace training partnership between Stockport College and the NHS is helping people returning to work secure health care roles.
More than 50 graduates of the College’s Employability and Community Learning programme have secured jobs over the last two years, many of whom are on the frontline supporting patients through the current Covid-19 crisis.
Participants, who have to be over 19 at the start of the course, receive four weeks of certified City & Guilds training at Stockport College, followed by six weeks on-the-job in a variety of settings through the NHS partnership, including laboratories, pharmacies and hospitals, such as The Christie and Stepping Hill.
Project Officer in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion at Stepping Hill Hospital, Janat Begum, said:
The students on the programme have varied educational backgrounds and the tutors have been very supportive in ensuring each student achieves their targets. The course incorporates practical and relevant content which prepares candidates once they take up further training on their placement. I have been able to work closely with tutors to monitor progress and review the course content which has been very helpful.”
Successful candidates from Stockport College’s recruitment events receive health screening and assessment before being accepted, with three out of every four offered a job from the guaranteed interview at the end of the course.
Course graduates are employed in a variety of settings, including pharmacies, administration, domestic services and medical laboratories, and in a variety of roles, such as health care assistant, porter, apprentice and bank staff.
Maureen Maxwell secured a permanent position as an admin assistant in Outpatient Therapies at Stepping Hill on completing the course. She said:
The reason I joined Stockport College is that I wanted to get into the National Health Service, and this course was a great way of achieving this. It was very in depth and quite challenging at times, as there was a lot to learn, but the outcome was really good. If it wasn’t for this programme, I would not have got my job. I would highly recommend this programme for the guaranteed interview participants receive as well as the qualification.”
Stockport College is now recruiting for its sixth cohort of students to join the scheme, with courses commencing in September to gain City & Guilds certificates in Health & Social Care, Children & Young People’s Settings and Employability.
Image: Left – Healthcare Assistant Clare Wright; Right – Admin Assistant in Outpatient Therapies Maureen Maxwell, both at Stepping Hill Hospital.