Support for Ukraine13 Young People Find Employment as Healthcare Support Workers in the NHS!
Skills & Learning have been working with the NHS as part of a Vocational Scholarship, a project which also includes Bournemouth & Poole College and The Development People.
The aim of the project which ran for 5 weeks was to help the NHS fill its vacancies whilst supporting young people to develop the skills needed for a career in healthcare.
Whilst on the scholarship the young people received training in employability skills (including supporting statements and a mock interview), soft skills, confidence building and insights into working for the NHS. The course also including a 5 week placement in a hospital.
About the employability element our Employability and Progression Officer Nicky said:
“Through individual and group exercises we also embed listening and communication skills, working as a team, presentation skills, negotiation skills, problem solving skills, as well as, improving self-belief, confidence and the ability to follow instructions. We try to make it fun!”
Learners working on presentations as a team…
One learner said: ” I loved the sessions because they were engaging and there was a variety of different teaching techniques used to make it interesting”
Learners working in groups to practice interview skills…
Another learner said: “The course has helped boost my confidence and has given me a number of skills to use in the workplace”
The scholarship focused on preparing learners for a variety of roles within the NHS including, Healthcare Support Worker, Ward Healthcare Assistant, Theatre Support Worker and Maternity Support Worker.
Interviews for the roles were carried out by NHS professionals, the results were extremely positive and out of the 15 people that applied for the roles 13 were successful! They will be starting work at the beginning of November.
Careers Advisor and Tutor Helen, who worked on the project was ecstatic with the outcome and said:
“This is absolutely amazing, their hard work and commitment has culminated not only in building their confidence but of course in gaining a job outcome! They are well on their way to fantastic careers in healthcare – well done everyone!”
NHS staff interviewing the young people were amazed by the candidates and how they presented themselves and by the fact they were clearly well prepared for the interview questions. They commented on the quality of their supporting statements and that they had fantastic insights into the NHS and the roles they applied for.
Learners collecting their certificates after completing the course…
We are so proud of the learners and the outcome of this course is a testament to all the hard work and dedication they have invested over the last 5 weeks.
We received some great feedback after the course –
“Made me feel comfortable and supported”
“Thank you for being so patient and understanding, it helped me a lot”
“Very good, felt like I was listened to and my thoughts mattered”
“Really helpful for Supporting Statements and for giving confidence for interviews”
Nicky would like to say:
“It was a privilege to be part of the scholarship, I’d like to congratulate our learners! We can’t wait for the next one!”
