Published: 05/08/2020
FIVE unemployed Copeland residents have secured work in the care sector after a successful collaborative training course.
Copeland Work and Skills Partnership ran the programme, alongside Wyndham Manor Care Home in Cleator Moor, to offer eight unemployed residents a series of care-related training sessions – delivered digitally through Google Classrooms due to the Covid-19 crisis.
Five of the participants have now taken up roles at Wyndham Manor as Care Coordinators, Support Workers, Domestic Assistants, and Kitchen Assistants.
Course topics covered included nutrition and hydration, dementia and stress awareness, and health and safety in the workplace, while the team at Wyndham provided an insight to participants about the skills required to work in the sector. Participants had been identified and referred by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and they were coached in employability skills by Inspira.
Mike Starkie, Mayor of Copeland, said: “I’d like to congratulate all eight participants for completing this course – and being adaptable enough to continue learning despite the challenges of the Covid-19 crisis.
“I’m incredibly proud of the life-changing work that Copeland Work and Skills Partnership delivers – with the support of its funders. This care programme is an example of collaborative working at its best, with the Work and Skills Partnership, Wyndham Manor, DWP and Inspira coming together to deliver a successful outcome for all.
“I wish all eight participants, including the five who have secured direct employment, the very best for their futures.”
The care sector was selected as a subject for the course as it is one of the few sectors that has continued to recruit during Covid-19. The Partnership now plans to roll out the programme with employers in other sectors such as food and drink.
Sue Edwards, Manager at Wyndham Manor Care Home, said: “The programme has helped us identify some good quality candidates who will fill key roles in our business. The candidates have been able to have a clear insight what it is like to work at Wyndham Manor and have had the benefit of care sector related training as part of the process. We have really enjoyed taking part.”
Deborah Naylor, Area Operations Manager at Inspira, added: “Inspira are keen to work creatively in these difficult times to help unemployed clients access training that will lead to work. The response from jobseekers and Wyndham Manor Care Home has been fantastic.”
The Copeland Work and Skills Programme is run by Copeland Council and is jointly funded by Copeland Community Fund and Sellafield Ltd. Sector development is a key workstream within the programme. Other workstreams include: subsidies to support apprenticeships, specific bespoke support to key sectors and wage subsides.
For further information, contact Chris Pickles, Copeland’s Work & Skills Programme Officer, on Chris.Pickles@copeland.gov.uk.
