People in Gateshead can get a head start into health and care qualifications and jobs with an innovative new academy programme.
The Gateshead Health and Care Academy provides training and education for anyone looking to start a career in the health and care sector, through a three week academy course. Those who attend the academy will gain a nationally recognised qualification, access Gateshead-based training to support employment and link up with local health and care organisations, to explore the varied roles available across the sector. The programme will also offer employability support such as CV writing, interview skills and mock interviews.
The course will run both in-person and virtually on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9.30am to 2.30pm, starting on Tuesday 20 June. The sessions are even available to people who are currently employed, or who have prior commitments, as they will be recorded, so those who are unable to join the in-person or virtual session can watch at a later time.
Amanda Venner, Interim Director of People and Organisational Development at Gateshead Health NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re so proud that, by working together with our partners we are able to offer this unique training qualification to people in Gateshead.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for us to connect with our future workforce and inspire them, by showing all of the career options offered by working in health and care.
“We, with our partner organisations, love working in Gateshead and want to have a workforce that really represents our diverse, vibrant and talented community.”
Steph Downey, Service Director, Adult Social Care, Integrated Adults and Social Care Services at Gateshead Council, said: “The new academy programme is a fantastic opportunity for anyone looking for a change in career, or starting an entirely new career, to find out more about what’s available in the in health and care sector locally and to be supported to gain the qualifications needed to secure employment.
“We have so much to offer between our partner organisations, including a wide and varied range of roles with exciting opportunities for gaining qualifications and career progression.
“Gateshead is a fantastic place to work, and we couldn’t be prouder of our offer for health and care teams in our area – from flexible working hours to perks such as access to the Blue Light discount scheme and other staff benefits.”
Nicola McDougal, Strategic Workforce Development Lead at CBC Health Federation, said: “The Health and Care Academy is a great example of our partnership working in Gateshead.
“Not only does it bring together all system partners to explore our workforce needs, but it has enabled us to offer real opportunities for people living in Gateshead, to gain training and access to vacancies in all parts of the health and social care system.
This will enable people to grow and developed their skills and confidence, at any age, building the foundations for long and successful careers in a wide variety of roles within Health and Social Care.”
To find more information on the Academy and to book onto the next course, please visit the Health and Care Academy website.