7 March 2018
Young adults gain the skills and experience to pursue NHS career
A new Traineeship in Brighton is inspiring young adults to consider a career within the health sector after Sussex Partnership NHS Trust teamed up with training provider Skills Training UK.
The Traineeship is for 18-24 year olds and combines a mixture of workplace and classroom training.
It provides the young adults with the vital skills needed to work within an NHS environment, including mental health training, learning to care, safeguarding, communicating with patients, ward boundaries and NHS values. They also work towards qualifications in English and Maths.
Michael Eaton, employer engagement lead at Skills Training UK, said: “The programme gives the opportunity for young adults to learn more about the health sector, giving them the vital skills and experience that can help make their next steps in their career.”
The first two weeks of the programme are delivered from Skills Training UKs Brighton Centre and include direct training from NHS staff and previous service users and learners then have the opportunity to undertake a work placement within the Trust.
Under close supervision, the young adults are shadowing staff and have been exposed to a number of roles and responsibilities at the Trust, including: support worker on the wards, community patient care, patient administration and working within the Trust café.
Natalia Malenczak, aged 19 from Brighton, has been undertaking the work placement within the learning and development team at the Trust. She said, “I’d previously never considered working within the NHS but the practical work experience I have had in the administration team has been great.
“I feel like I am contributing and all of the mentors and staff have been extremely supportive. I’m hoping to move on to an Apprenticeship following on from the programme.”
Jo Kingston, Education and Training Lead Sussex Partnership NHS Trust, said: “We are looking forward to continuing our relationship with Skills Training UK and supporting more young adults to identify potential careers available through the NHS jobs system.
“Trainee’s will be offered the opportunity to join our well established bank resource to experience the range of possibilities within the Trust. As one of the top three Mental Health Trust’s in the country we are proud of the career opportunities we offer to staff, for Trainees wishing to take on a more permanent career path we can support them through our wide-range of Apprenticeships programmes.”
A celebration event will be held on the 16th March to thank the mentors involved and congratulate the first 12 learners who have taken part in the programme.
It is expected that some of the trainees will join the staff bank at the Trust, whilst others may consider further Apprenticeship training and higher education.
Skills Training also offer dedicated Apprenticeships for NHS Trusts, aimed at up-skilling employees through bespoke training. To find out more, visit www.skillstraininguk.com
