The Skills Academy for Health has developed a range of pre-employment programmes to give unemployed adults an opportunity to gain new skills and valuable work experience within the health and social care sectors.
On a number of programmes there is the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a healthcare or administration role which is valuable in helping learners to transform enthusiasm into confidence, self belief and employability.
During the placement period, learners experience the challenges of undertaking new tasks, working as part of team and will be involved in caring for, or providing services for patients and their families.
The knowledge, skills and experience gained by completing a programme can lead to success in getting a permanent job with real career prospects.
Benefits to employers
Programme content
Learners start training in subjects such as health and safety, confidentiality, infection control, equality and diversity, and team building and communications skills. This may be followed by a work-based placement, usually in an administration or healthcare role.
This placement gives the learner the opportunity to gain the skills, confidence, and hands-on experience that health and social care employers are looking for when recruiting new staff.
Coordinator support
Learners are supported on a programme by one of the Academy’s coordinators who conduct regular reviews and offer advice and guidance on job searches, applications and interview techniques.
Whilst on a programme, learners continue to receive benefits, and may be eligible for a training allowance and/or childcare costs.
Benefits to learners
Learners have found that completing a pre-employment programme has proved extremely valuable when applying for jobs. The programme experience gives them the opportunity to really ‘sell’ themselves at interview as their newly acquired skills and specialist knowledge is up-to-date and relevant.
Over the past four years, learners completing pre-employment programmes have been appointed to jobs as diverse as healthcare assistants, theatre support workers, ward clerks, administrative assistants, medical records clerks, phlebotomists and therapies assistants. For many, it has been a life-changing experience.
Next steps
Click here find out more about the pre-employment programmes available in your area, including eligibility criteria and how to apply or click on the appropriate region on the interactive map.
