Two people from Carlisle have talked about their experience of getting back into employment after completing the ‘step into work’ programme with North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust.
Step in to Work is a programme designed to assist the unemployed into a career in health care. The 4th cohort of Step into Work has recently ended and feedback from the programme is positive.
Kelly Manford has recently completed the programme and is now working as a bank health care assistant at CIC? She said, “The course has been really interesting and gave a good overview of the Trust and the expectations of us.
“All the trainers we have had from, infection control, pressure sores, care certificate team to the manual handling training have been fantastic. They not only know their subject matter inside out but a lot of them have previously worked "front line" so they can give you an insight into what’s to come.
“I think the step into work programme is a fantastic opportunity and experience. I know myself if I hadn’t had the opportunity probably wouldn't have gone down the conventional route of becoming a health care assistant as I’d never dealt with care work before. I would have been put off by lack of experience, but the great thing about the step into work programme is that it not only gives you the skills and experience it gives you the self-confidence to go for it.
“Placement was one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done and it gave me a sense of pride that I’ve never experienced before and it’s something money really can’t buy. It literally changed me as a person as now I’m much more emotional and even more passionate about caring for people; so I would like to thank you for that.
“Joining the NHS workforce fills me with excitement. I’ve seen the many different paths you can take career wise, the rewards from it and the "family" you can get from being part of it.
“I would like to thank you for all the support and guidance you have continued to provide throughout the programme and beyond and for the amazing opportunity you gave me to become part of the NHS”.
Simon Dixon recently took part in the programme and worked on Hazel Ward at the Cumberland Infirmary with Elaine Potter a health care assistant. Elaine showed him all the different aspects to the role and what was involved. It is testimony to Elaine’s kindness and professionalism that Simon is now committed and passionate about a career in health care. He has been successful in joining the trust as a bank health care assistant.
Simon said” Elaine’s support in ensuring he had a great learning experience has helped him to grow in confidence and fed his enthusiasm for his new career path.”
Amanda Dunkley, Head of Workforce Solutions, said I am delighted to say that most of the people we have recruited through this programme have been really committed and are working across our hospitals.
Around 20 people have taken part in step into work, working as bank health care staff, fulltime positions with a view to doing a nursing apprenticeship. Referrals come from the job centre, people can also self refer or find out more from our careers fairs.
The six week programme, include three weeks of training, such as team building and interview preparation, and three weeks of placements in the hospital. The recruits all supported to prepare for the workplace and work towards their care certificate - an agreed set of standards that sets out the knowledge, skills and behaviours expected of specific job roles in health and social care.