The NHS in Cumbria is now offering a new way to begin your NHS career. A range of volunteering opportunities are now available that will give you a nationally recognised qualification and a guaranteed interview for a paid position.
We have launched ‘Volunteer to Career’. This is a brand new programme which can provide a direct route into the NHS.
Layla Wilson, Volunteer Services Lead, explained: “Volunteer to Career is ideal for those who are interested in a career in healthcare. This programme can provide volunteers with the skills and experience to apply for NHS jobs, including administration roles and healthcare assistant (HCA) roles.
“Once you have finished the programme you will receive a nationally recognised qualification; National Volunteer Certificate. If you are ward based, you will also receive The Care Certificate. These qualifications will help in the search for paid employment within a health or social care setting. You will also be guaranteed an interview to join the bank register to apply for temporary paid positions at the Trust.
“We are delighted to now be accepting applications for the programme. We have vacancies available in Whitehaven, Penrith and Carlisle which include ward and administrative opportunities.
“This is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to gain enough experience to apply for a permanent position in the NHS. Volunteers will be supported each step of the way and will have a mentor who will help you learn the skills you need.”
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds across the communities we serve.
More information about the Volunteer to Career programme:
- Volunteers should: be able to commit at least 60 hours over a minimum of 7 months, be over 18 years old, have the right to work in the UK, and be ready to go through recruitment checks such as a DBS check, an occupational health check, references checks and training requirements such as the National Volunteer Certificate.
- Refugees and asylum seekers are fully entitled to volunteer.
- Claimants of Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) or universal credit, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit ad Employment and Support Allowance may volunteer without their benefits being affected, provided they receive no more money than the reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses. There is no limit on the number of hours you can volunteer, however, job seekers must be available for and actively seeking paid work. Volunteering may count as part of your work preparation activities.
- NCIC pays reasonable travel expenses to all volunteers, so you will not be out of pocket for your volunteering.
- All volunteers are subject to background checks to ensure their suitability for volunteering