DEVELOPING YOUNG WORKFORCE
Helping young people step into care The current population of Dumfries and Galloway is ageing and declining. Recent research by the Developing Young Workforce (DYW) programme in Dumfries and Galloway revealed that by 2035, the region will need an extra 507 residential beds and 4600 hours of care home time, costing an extra £9.6 million. This is an increase of 57% on the service currently being delivered. At present, new carers aren’t being recruited in sufficient numbers, and the rate at which carers leave the profession is around 85%. Working together, DYW, the Care Training Consortium (CTC) and Lowland Training Services have put together an innovative 16week Care Course. This will be available to 18 to 25 year olds throughout the region. Participants are given the opportunity to gain not only certified care qualifications but also practical work experience and a guaranteed job interview. Participants are also given a realistic expectation of what it is like to work in the Care Sector. In addition, an SQA Employability Award including the skills required to make effective job applications and how to be successful at interview are also included. Justin Thomas, Programme Manager, Developing the Young Workforce said “Step into Care is a true example of what DYW is all about – identifying the requirements of sectors in our region and then providing a service to address them, using relevant partnerships to ensure that our young people are supported and given the opportunities they need.” Paula Mitchell, General Manager, the Care Training Consortium (CTC) said “Step into Care will give the young person, a realistic introduction to the care sector. They will attend a supported programme of training and development, they will also have a mentored placement within a care setting, where they will gain a view of what caring means and the positive impact that it can have on an individual’s life.” The partners were delighted when a bid to the Holywood Trust was awarded in order to finance the project. Holywood Trust Director, Karen Ward Boyce said “The Trust welcomes this approach, to help young people better understand the potential of working in the care sector, the range of roles available and the value of this important work. We will be interested to see the outcomes of the pilot work in both Dumfries and Stranraer, and how young people locally respond to this excellent training opportunity.” Information sessions are being held in Dumfries on 24th January and Stranraer on
13th March 2018. Courses will start later in the year. For further information or wish to make a referral to the programme, then please
do not hesitate to contact: anneclark@ lowlandtraining.co.uk (Dumfries) or tracyjohnson@lowlandtraining.co.uk (Stranraer)
Business Scotland
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