A leading disabled charity has launched a new Modern Apprenticeship scheme
in a bid to stave-off skills shortages in the care sector.
Leonard Cheshire, which provides care support for more than 19,000 disabled
people across the UK, is hoping the scheme will help recruit and retain more
staff.
The launch marks the introduction of the first apprenticeship scheme in the
disability care sector. It offers a professional qualification for care workers
and management opportunities.
Clare Smith, HR director at Leonard Cheshire, said she wants the initiative
to attract school leavers looking for a rewarding career. "This really is
an exciting scheme and it’s a first for us.
"It gives young people the chance to embark on a rewarding career while
gaining recognised qualifications on the job."
Candidates on the apprenticeship scheme will gain qualifications as they
work and need no prior experience of care work to obtain a place.
Smith hopes the scheme will ensure a healthy future workforce and help avoid
the shortfall of skilled staff which currently plagues the sector.
She added: "It means that in the future we will have fully-trained
managers and the potential to retain more of our staff.
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
"We’re really looking forward to working with school leavers across the
UK."
