Connect2Care, an expert provider of training and apprenticeships in the care sector, has expanded its offer with the launch of its first healthcare apprenticeship standards across hospitals within Lincolnshire.
United Lincolnshire Hospitals NHS Trust and its Talent Academy has teamed up with Connect2Care to deliver bespoke nursing development apprenticeships in Boston, Grantham, Lincoln and Louth. Eleven cadets are already enrolled on the scheme – which started in October – and plans are in place for a further 70 to commence a Senior Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship.
The tailored scheme is part of a new workforce development strategy, spearheaded by the Lincolnshire Talent Academy, to nurture local talent and address the nursing shortage. The course aims to progress the skills of the healthcare support and nursing teams through a holistic approach to learning, including workshops, observations and practical work.
Incorporating the new Healthcare Support Worker Apprenticeship Standard and Senior Healthcare Support Worker Standard, the programme allows new and existing staff to benefit from training that can take them from the beginning of their Level 2 apprenticeship, right through to a degree-level qualification, over the course of seven years.
Speaking about the new apprenticeships, Kevin Goodger, Operations Manager at Connect2Care, said, “It’s a pleasure to work with United Lincolnshire Hospitals and support its next generation of nurses. With an industry-wide demand for skilled staff and mounting pressures on the NHS, there has never been a more crucial time to invest in training. Our objective for the nursing development programme is to provide apprentices with a core set of skills that give them the confidence to excel in their careers and progress into more senior positions.”
Claire Flavell, Strategic Lead for the Lincolnshire Talent Academy at United Lincolnshire Hospitals, added, “Recruitment within our industry is a hot topic as businesses struggle to find and retain the right candidates. Developing a high-quality training programme that is accessible for our current and future workforce is key to attracting and retaining talent within the county, while also tackling the decline of healthcare professionals entering the sector. Ultimately it will help to strengthen the quality of care within our hospitals.
“It was important for us to work with the right training provider to help deliver the new programme. Connect2Care has provided expert advice and support every step of the way and I’m excited to work with the team to continue developing our training programme, so that we can grow and nurture local talent in Lincolnshire.”
Connect2Care (C2C) are an expert training and apprenticeship provider for the adult and early years care sector. They train professional staff throughout the country, and are a wholly owned subsidiary of training provider Hospitality Industry Training (HIT Training). C2C frequently work in the same care organisations, with HIT working with the catering, cleaning, housekeeping and administrative staff while Connect2Care trains the care teams.
