NCIC is celebrating the success of helping 27 candidates become qualified to be a health care assistant (HCA).
Our ‘Step into Work’ programme is perfect for anyone looking to work in the NHS but do not have any experience. It is an 8 week programme that equips people with the necessary skills, knowledge, experience and insight for a HCA role.
We have had three successful cohorts this year, with 12 qualifying in cohort two and 7 in the latest group. The next programme is due to begin in September at Carlisle. With a further programme commencing at Whitehaven in January 2024.
Upon successful completion of the programme, candidates secure a guaranteed interview for a HCA position on our bank register. This has the potential to lead to further job opportunities within the trust including our nursing apprenticeships and permanent positions.
This is a great opportunity to work as part of our team, providing care to our local communities. Not only does working within the NHS give you immense job satisfaction, there are many other benefits to joining our team such as holidays, pensions and staff discounts.
Applications are now open for people to join the next ‘Step into Work’ pre-employment programme.
Dawn Roberts was a candidate in the latest cohort of the programme and has been appointed into a role with NCIC.
She said:
“As someone who wanted a late-life career change, with no care experience, and who had to work whilst attending the course, step into work was perfect for me because it gave me the opportunity to explore the job of HCA without giving up my current job.
“I started the course ready to study hard, give it all I’ve got, and learn all I could about being a HCA and the NHS to see if it was what I really wanted to do. There was always someone around to answer any questions and offer support – especially with the technology side of things. Everyone involved makes you feel that they want to see you succeed and are passionate about passing on their knowledge and experience. Some people taking the course had years of care experience, so I learned from fellow students too.
"I feel the course has given me a good foundation to build my future NHS career on and the placements gave me a realistic insight into the actual work involved, together they helped me realise ‘I can do this’. In eight weeks I feel I have gone from knowing very little to being confident enough to start ‘learning on the job’.
"For me, step into work was the ideal opportunity to discover what working for the NHS would be like, get some training and exploring what I had to offer the NHS. It really has been eight weeks well spent!”
Another candidate, Sandy McCarthy said:
“The Step into Work Programme has been a memorable course, one I feel honoured to have had the opportunity to experience. It has been rewarding for many reasons; the insight into the wonderful world of the NHS, the opportunity to learn new skills at any age and meeting new people. For me, it was my own personal development, taking me out of my comfort zone and into an exciting, inspirational new career.”
The next 8 week programme will start on 11th September 2023, it runs 3 days per week and will take place at the Cumberland Infirmary, Carlisle. It includes targeted training and a practical work placement on a ward shadowing other Health Care Assistants.
You don’t need any qualifications, but you must meet the following criteria:
- Aged 18+
- Able to prove right to work in the UK
- Self-motivated and caring
- Willing to potentially work long hours and shifts
- Keen to learn and have good communication skills
Apply now. Closing date for application 18th August 2023