MORE than 75 unemployed or economically inactive people who want to work in social care will have the opportunity to take part in a new training programme.
The Getting Started initiative, facilitated by the Association for Real Change (ARC) Northern Ireland and part funded by Ulster Garden Villages Ltd and Bombardier, will offer participants a chance to gain a sustainable career in social care without the need for previous paid work experience or qualifications.
The eight-week training programme will include information on the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC) Standards of Conduct and Practice for Social Care Workers and will be delivered alongside observational visits to providers of learning disability services.
It is hoped the project will assist individuals that have a natural skill or interest in caring to secure employment in the sector.
ARC, an umbrella organisation supporting the learning disability sector, is working with members including Positive Futures, Praxis Care, The Croft Community and Triangle Housing Association to support those furthest removed from employment.
In response to its members’ request, ARC liaised with Ingeus BY CLAIRE CRAIG who deliver the Department for Education and Learning’s employment programme, Steps 2 Success, across Greater Belfast, North Down and Newtownards.
Explaining the implementation of the scheme Louise Hughes, ARC training co-ordinator, said: “In response to members’ needs, we have developed this innovative project which offers opportunities for a more diverse workforce in the social care sector.
“A sector which offers flexible working conditions may better suit someone who has been unemployed for a long period, or evening/weekend shifts which may suit people with other responsibilities.”
Information on the Getting Started Project can be found at: www.arcuk.org.uk/northernireland/contact-liaise/projects/