New scheme is helping unemployed young people get into work

Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Foundation Trust has teamed up with Job Centre Plus and Interserve Employment and Skills to offer the new career confidence programme.

Twenty young people, who are currently unemployed, are gaining skills and work experience at Scunthorpe and Grimsby hospitals.

The six-week programme will equip them with the skills and knowledge needed to get onto the first rung of the career ladder.

They spend two weeks preparing for their new roles then gain four weeks of work experience out on wards and in support services.

The trainees will learn about using IT systems, the importance of infection control and other training which will help them apply for a position in the NHS in the future.

Rachel Maguire, training and development manager at the Trust, said: “Our administration teams are a vital function in the health service and play a key role in contributing to our patients’ experience. The career confidence programme will help us to grow our own workforce locally while equipping people with the skills they need to start a successful career in the NHS.

“At the end of the programme they will receive an accredited level 1 qualification in customer service and a sought after place in our apprentice talent pool ready for a position on our apprentice programme.”

Thelma Slavin, skills advisor at Job Centre Plus Scunthorpe, said: “This is a unique opportunity for our customers to gain valuable skills and work experience on site in a hospital environment which for many will lead to an apprenticeship in the NHS. This important partnership working between Jobcentre Plus and the NHS is giving additional support to those who may need it and investing in our local communities

Katie Hodby, performance manager at Interserve Skills and Employment, said: “The career confidence programme is an exciting opportunity to equip young professionals with the work experience, skills and knowledge needed for a sustainable career within an NHS setting.

“We are privileged to be part of supporting the learners on this journey. Through close collaboration and partnership with the Trust we have designed a high quality programme which aims to support people with little or no work experience to give them the opportunity they need to get closer to the job market.

“Our expertise in information, advice and guidance alongside the industry expert training and work placement opportunities provided by NLaG allows all learners who join the programme to receive to best possible support to help them reach their career aspirations and goals.”

The next intake for the career confidence programme will be in August.