A new programme to help jobseekers gain administrative roles in the NHS has been hailed a success after giving employment opportunities to the first group of participants.
The Steps into Health programme – run by City of Wolverhampton College in partnership with The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Jobcentre Plus – aims to overcome barriers to employment by enabling people to develop a range of skills, get support in applying for jobs and help preparing for an interview.
The free five-week course also includes a work placement to give people the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an NHS setting, and a guaranteed interview with the trust’s NHS Futures team for those who successfully complete the course.
Of the 14 participants who completed the first course, one gained a permanent part-time role with the trust, while 12 were recommended for its temporary staffing bank which enables them to book shifts and work across different departments requiring administrative support.
Tapiwa Hakutangwi (pictured right),aged 39, who was offered a part-time post as a ward clerk at West Park Hospital, said: “The Steps into Health programme gave me a massive confidence boost after being out of work for a long time.
“I was ecstatic when I was offered the position and felt a sense of accomplishment and pride as it was not an easy journey to get to this stage.
“I’m very grateful for the support I received from the college and the NHS Futures team for their tireless input and helping me secure a permanent position as a ward clerk at West Park Hospital.”
Lorna Prosser, curriculum manager for employability at the college, said: “Giving participants access to work experience in the NHS as part of their course is a fantastic opportunity and we are extremely grateful to The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust for working with us and supporting them throughout their placements.”
Sallie Johnson, NHS Futures manager at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “The programme is a great way for us to engage with local people looking for employment and it has been wonderful to watch them grow in confidence throughout the course and support the successful participants through our recruitment process.”
For details of the Steps into Health programme call 01902 836000 or email employability@wolvcoll.ac.uk
Listen to an interview with WCR FM about the scheme here
