County Durham Care Academy is launching another 'Pathways to Careers' programme to help people develop the skills needed for the sector.
Starting on 28 April for 10 weeks, it will help people develop a greater understanding of what adult social care involves, the diverse needs of service users, and other important factors such as safeguarding.
Supported into work
Chidinma Judith Dike is one of four care workers recently supported by the programme. Originally from Nigeria, Chidinma was working as an English teacher in Ukraine and moved to England under a Ukrainian settlement scheme.
The flexible skills training has helped Chidinma and her three peers, whose first language isn't English, to overcome barriers to learning and secure employment.
"I was so excited and so grateful to start the course," explains Chidinma. "I have learnt so much - we even had the opportunity to do a shift in one of the care homes and that is when I knew that this is something I could do. I really enjoyed that hands on experience."
Give it a go
Chidinma is encouraging anyone interested in care to try the programme.
"You will be welcome here, you will feel comfortable and the knowledge you want to acquire is right here," said Chidinma.
Everything you need to get that foundation for a career in care is right here. When I'm applying for jobs now, I'm not holding back anymore.
To find out more about the courses and the one-to-one support available from the Care Academy, visit Free training to start a career in Adult Social Care.
Find out more about the flexible skills training that has helped Chidinma and three other students, whose first language isn’t English, to overcome barriers to learning and secure employment.
More information on the Care Academy and its support fort the recruitment and retention of people in the social care workforce, can be found at County Durham Care Academy.
DurhamLearn offers a range of courses to residents across the county, both in person and online. To find out more, visit DurhamLearn courses.