New training, apprenticeships and campaigns

Free training initiatives

Learners completing their level 5 Leader In Adult Care apprenticeship at Hull College

The council is introducing a series of free training initiatives aimed at strengthening the skills and expertise of the East Riding adult social care workforce. Recognising the importance of ongoing professional development, these initiatives will equip care sector employees with the tools they need to excel in their roles and contribute to the wellbeing of the community.

The “Grow Your Own” initiative, launched earlier this year, has already received positive feedback for its part in nurturing future registered managers. This programme provides access to the Level 5 Leader in Adult Care apprenticeship, ensuring that the next generation of leaders is well prepared to guide the sector.

New fully funded apprenticeships

Fully funded apprenticeships are now available to adult social care workers at various levels of expertise. Care workers, supervisors, and those in roles such as Dementia Lead, Re-ablement Worker, and Community Care/Support Worker can benefit from Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker and Level 4 Lead Practitioner in Adult Care apprenticeships. Additionally, Care Workers involved in peer training can take advantage of the fully funded Level 3 Award in Education Training. 

Both sector-wide and East Riding of Yorkshire Council employees can access these opportunities and the use of the apprenticeship levy scheme and the Better Care Fund means financial barriers are eliminated and more people can access these valuable courses and apprenticeships.

If you’d like more details on eligibility and enrolment, email Julia Miller (Senior learning and skills officer) at East Riding of Yorkshire Council. Email: [email protected].

Fill vacancies at recruitment events

Members of the Choose Care team at a recent Big Care Career Fair

2023 saw a number of recruitment events for the East Yorkshire care sector. This is a thank you to everyone who took part – and a reminder that there are more events taking place over the rest of 2023 which all providers can attend to meet potential employees and fill vacancies.

The Big Care Information Fairs, events and careers hubs give jobseekers the opportunity to meet employers, talk to current employees, discover where their skills are needed, get advice on their CV and hear from sector experts about the jobs available in adult social care across the East Riding. 

The events do more than spotlight caregiving; they showcase how the sector extends its reach into roles as diverse as IT, gardening, driving, cooking, maintenance, and planning. Nursing homes to private residences and offices are represented and jobseekers can explore part-time, full-time, occasional, seasonal, or year-round positions.

Read all about it

The success of these events is truly inspiring, and we’re thrilled to share some of the feedback received from exhibitors and attendees;

Wishes Care and Support. Jo Collier, recruitment manager shared (left), and Victoria Ross (right)

Wishes Care and Support, a home care services provider in Hull, East Yorkshire and North Yorkshire, has been an integral part of the Choose Care initiative since its inception. Jo Collier, recruitment manager said, “We find the Choose Care employment hubs at Jobcentres a positive way to recruit and to put Wishes’ name forward.”

Sarah Banks, operational review and project officer at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, played a pivotal role in the recruitment campaign for Appleton Court. “Recruitment events are a vital part of hiring a workforce that caters to individuals with diverse care and support needs. These events provide a platform to capture key applicant qualities in an informal setting, allowing for more in-depth discussions about roles. It fosters a sense of teamwork from the outset and assists individuals in finding the right fit.”

Emmanuel Omidun, Appleton Court

Emmanuel Omidun, a new care worker at Appleton Court, shared his journey. “The Big Care Information Event organised by Choose Care was incredibly insightful. It opened doors to exciting career opportunities in the health and social care sector. Attending the event led me to a fulfilling role at Appleton Court. Thanks to Choose Care, I’ve embarked on a rewarding journey.”

If you’re inspired to be part of these events, please contact: [email protected] or call 01482 39 22 70

Get involved in a new work experience programme

A pilot work experience programme developed by Choose Care is in its early stages, with two Wilberforce College T-level students already benefiting from work experience placements at East Riding of Yorkshire Council.  

Debbie Foster, Business Change Officer, explained: “Our work experience programme is designed to inspire the future workforce to consider rewarding careers in adult social care. We are actively seeking collaboration with the East Riding care sector to create valuable opportunities for local school and college students, while also promoting the various career pathways available.”

Jen Walsh from New Concept Care and Nursing with students from Goole Academy at the Goole Big Care Careers Fair.

The initiative took its initial steps as students from local schools and colleges took part in the Big Care Careers Fairs earlier this year. During the event, they had the opportunity to engage with several of our care sector partners. Impressively, a total of 196 students attended offering their positive insights:

“All stands were lovely and very informative – I applied for a job on the day!” Student, Wyke Sixth Form College

“It was very educational and I learned about future careers and different types of adult social care providers.” Student, Wilberforce Sixth Form College

“It was helpful to be able to speak to individuals who already work in the care sector and find out what they love about their job.” Student, Hull College.

If you would like to take part or find out more, contact Debbie.

Email: [email protected], Tel: (01482) 392277.

The ‘What’s Your Superpower?’ positivity wall

The Choose Care team also attended the Pride in Hull event recently, in collaboration with NHS Humber and North Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, Hull University Teaching Hospitals, Moorview Care and Springfield Healthcare.

The ‘What’s Your Superpower?‘ positivity wall encouraged people to think about their qualities and skills that would make them a perfect fit for a job in adult social care. The event was a great success, measured by the number of people who enquired about a career in care. 

Workforce and Education Forum, 21st Sept

Please join the next Workforce and Education Forum on Thursday 21 September 2023 2.30pm via Microsoft Teams

These Forums are for all care providers in the East Riding. The Choose Care team will provide updates on work done to aid recruitment and retention on behalf of the East Riding adult social care sector. It’s also your opportunity to give feedback and share your success stories, or discuss any specific challenges that you are facing. 

These are informal Microsoft Teams meetings and we need your involvement and discussion to shape the Choose Care project going forward. 

You will automatically be invited to the meeting, so look out for an email. We hope to see you on 21^st September

New “Got it” campaign launches August 25th

The new Choose Care, Change Lives ad campaign launches on August 25th and will run until September 15th. 

The ads ask people whether they’ve “got what it takes” to be a great carer and gets them to spot the opportunities in various scenarios.

The campaign aims to get people identifying their natural ability to help people and drive them to the Choose Care website, where they can find out more about a career in care.

Creative and key messages of the campaign. 

Have you got what it takes? features a range of scenarios and images of carers and carees in situations where there are opportunities to do that little bit more. 

By encouraging people who have the right abilities to consider a career in social care, the campaign aims to increase the number of quality candidates who apply for available roles. 

There will be a significant amount of organic and paid for activity on social media and the campaign will also be delivered across council communication channels.

The website is a starting point for all visitors. It will either help them to find the appropriate information, or help them to decide that this is not a career for them. The campaign url is  www.got-it.uk

Get involved and get results

How can you get the campaign working for you? Share the www.got-it.uk URL, follow Choose Care on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn and tag us in your own social media posts, or send us your social media details so we can share your posts. Sharing posts massively increases reach, so tag us using #ChooseCareChangeLives and we’ll share and you’ll reach more people. Our details are;

Facebook @choosecareeastriding

Instagram @choosecareeastriding

LinkedIn @choose-care