People from Merseyside are benefiting from a unique partnership scheme that could see those involved secure permanent employment or an apprenticeship.
Thanks to close collaborative working between Hugh Baird College, the Merseyside Youth Association and a number of NHS Trusts from across the Liverpool City Region learners are enjoying the chance to develop the essential work skills, attitudes and traits needed to enter the world of work.
The 13 week programme delivered by Hugh Baird College, sees those taking part benefit from an 8 week work placement within an NHS trusts in areas such as Healthcare, Facilities Management, Business Administration, Fundraising and Marketing, Learning and Development and IT.
Hugh Baird College, Director of Business Engagement, Lynn Masterton said:
Learners complete a Level 2 qualification in vocational studies and can also improve their maths and English if needed.
However, what is most important, is that those taking part, get to develop employability qualities to enable them to secure employment or more advanced training in the future.
Mrs Masterton continued:
The ultimate hope is that, by taking part in the scheme, learners gain an apprenticeship opportunity within the NHS Trust they are placed and can take the first steps in a long-term career that really makes a difference.
Regardless of whether there is an employment or apprenticeship opportunity at the end of the programme, our College staff are committed to working with learners to help them find employment elsewhere.
Hugh Baird College tutor, Debbie Stock, who coordinates the scheme, said:
One of the major issues employers tell us they find with young people is confidence. Employers often comment that young candidates sell themselves short and don’t appreciate the experience they’ve gained and the employability qualities they already possess.
Thanks to focused, classroom based sessions, we ensure that learners are able to articulate the skills and qualities they’ve developed, and we work with groups to ensure that C.Vs highlight the dedication and commitment they have demonstrated.
Yana Williams, Hugh Baird College Principal and Chief Executive said:
At the heart of all that Hugh Baird College does, is a desire to improve lives and provide students with the skills needed for a bright and successful future. It is fantastic to be working with organsiations who mirror these values and I would like to thank the Merseyside Youth Association and the NHS Trusts we work with for making this programme possible. I’m excited to hear the success stories that will inevitably come as a result of the programme.
Jane Tomkinson OBE, Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, Chief Executive Officer:
The young people from the Hugh Baird College are talented, keen and display precisely the right values needed for a career in the NHS. Nationally there are around 100000 vacancies in the NHS so it is crucial we nurture this new talent and get the trainees to actively consider a career with the NHS. As Chief Executive Officer, I am keen to support this programme in order to ensure we have a pipeline of young people ready to step into a rewarding career within the NHS.
Callum Roche is one learner who is already benefitting. Callum, who has been on the programme for 5 weeks and has just begun his placement in the Learning and Development Department of the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital said:
For a number of different reasons, school didn’t work out for me and I was left with no idea about what I wanted to do with my future. Thanks to this programme, my confidence has rocketed and I feel like a totally different person. The training you get from the tutors at College is first rate and they help you believe that you can do anything you set your mind to. They also help you define your career goals and the path you need to take in order to achieve them. I delighted to have started my placement and I’m determined to make a good impression. Who knows where it could take me!
Those interested in the programme are encouraged to apply for a Traineeship through the Hugh Baird College website www.hughbaird.ac.uk/subject-area/traineeships or can attend a Traineeship Recruitment event at the College on November 30th from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For more details on this event and to register your attendance, please visit www.hughbaird.ac.uk/events/traineeship-recruitment-day