Fully-funded healthcare training is now available to anyone in Essex looking to enter or upskill in the care sector.
It will help those already working in care or new to the sector reach their career goals without the added pressure of training costs.
The training is funded by the council's Nightingale Care Bursary and run by the council's adult education service, ACL Essex .
Over 35,000 people in Essex work in the care industry. This makes it one of the biggest employers in the county.
This new training offer is complimented by a wider council campaign, Your Career Matters. It aims to promote the range of opportunities on offer and showcase the benefits of working in care.
There are plenty of courses available and include:
- apprenticeships
- short courses for specialist skills
- diplomas and certificates in health and care
- fast track management courses
The care sector is full of rewarding opportunities to support people in residential care or in their own homes.
Positions are available to help adults of all ages including young adults with a disability and older people.
Councillor John Spence, Essex County Council's Cabinet Member for Health and Adult Social Care, said:
“Working in care is one of the most important jobs there is. Thousands of people across the county need care and it is a service many of us will need in our lives.
"The sector is one of the biggest workforces in the county, so there are a variety of jobs available and plenty of opportunity to progress.
“Our providers are working together to highlight these opportunities to potential employees.
"We have made entry to the sector easier through free training with the Nightingale Care Bursary. We want to make this career path, and progression within the sector, accessible to all.”
Bethan Stewart is completing an NVQ Level 2 through the Nightingale Care Bursary.
Bethan said: “I’m a support worker and also work part time with St. John’s Ambulance, and I have always had a keen interest in supervisor roles.
"I manage a team of four in my support worker role and I’m currently a Project Lead with St. John’s Ambulance, but I wanted to boost my leadership skills.
"Finding out that I could do an NVQ Level 2 through the Nightingale Care Bursary felt like the missing piece to my educational jigsaw.”
“The course has taught me about the range of services available in the Health & Social Care sector, it’s also helped me with time organisation. I love working in this industry and now want to gain my NVQ Level 3 and keep progressing in my career.”
Discover more about the Nightingale Care Bursary.
Find out more about the Your Career Matters campaign.