Published: 10/06/2020
A PROJECT to get Copeland residents back to work is to go digital.
Sector Based Work Academies (SBWA), run by the Copeland Work and Skills Partnership, are to be delivered digitally to keep participants safe in the light of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The new digital version of the course, which readies people for employment in particular industries, is to be trialled initially in the care sector. This follows an increase in care worker vacancies in domiciliary care and care homes.
Online training will cover: health and safety, safeguarding, principles of food safety and Covid-19 awareness.
Participants will get an insight into the range of jobs on offer in the care sector, and develop the skills and qualities needed to work in that field.
Activities will also include support with online learning and interview preparation skills. The Department for Work and Pensions and Inspira are helping put together the content for the online academies.
Copeland Council’s Work and Skills Officer, Chris Pickles, said: “We had already completed one of the academies through remote learning, as it had begun before lockdown. Now we have managed to design this whole course to be delivered digitally. This means businesses can get on with planning and recruiting, and participants can use this time to increase their skills and get ready for the jobs market.”
The Work and Skills Partnership has run several work academies for a wide range of sectors. Because they provide training specific to that organisation or sector, it helps employers recruit individuals with the right skills to take the business forward.
Businesses who would like support with recruitment, and are interested in being involved in a Sector Based Work Academy, should contact Chris Pickles at Chris.pickles@copeland.gov.uk
The Copeland Work and Skills Programme is jointly funded by Copeland Community Fund and Sellafield Ltd. The Sector Based Work Academies are part of the partnership's Employment Support work. Other projects include: subsidies to support apprenticeships, bespoke support to key sectors, and wage subsides.
