Newtown hospital benefits from KickStart programme

More recruits have made it through to the Powys Health and Care Academy and working at Newtown Hospital, among others in the county.

Young adults have taken on roles with the catering team at Newtown Hospital and  providing administrative support to the Community Services Department at the hospital as part of the UK Government-funded Kickstart Scheme.

As part of their health and social care placements, 25 hours a week for the next six months, they will undertake a programme of learning, equipping them with skills and knowledge related to the health and social care sector, training to help them secure future employment and coaching from a workplace mentor.

Through the academy, the Kickstart Scheme is supporting employers – including Powys Teaching Health Board (PTHB), Powys County Council (PCC) and Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) – to create jobs for 16 to 24-year-olds on Universal Credit, who are at risk of long-term unemployment.

There are also health and social care Kickstart Scheme vacancies available through the academy for domestic/porter and catering assistants in Welshpool, Machynlleth, Llanidloes, Bronllys and Brecon, support workers in Llanidloes, Newtown and Llandrindod Wells, and administrative assistants in Bronllys, Newtown and Welshpool. 

For further information speak to your DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) Work Coach at your local Job Centre.

Powys Health and Care Academy (HCA) has been set up by Powys Regional Partnership Board (RPB) which is made up of a range of public bodies and other representatives, including PCC, PTHB and PAVO, who are working together to improve the health and wellbeing of the county’s residents.

Cllr Myfanwy Alexander, Chair of Powys RPB, said: “We are very keen to use all possible methods to encourage people to discover what a career in care might mean for them. There are a variety of opportunities available, and I would recommend anyone to take a closer look to find what suits them.”

Powys HCA will be offering face-to-face and digital learning opportunities through four schools – a School of Research, Development and Innovation, a School of Leadership, a School of Volunteers and Carers, and a School of Professional and Clinical Education and Training – to employees in the health and care sector, to those looking for a career in the sector and to volunteers and unpaid carers who support the sector.

It is also offering advice and training to those looking for a new career in health and social care, with the help of NPTC Group of Colleges, through the Powys Health and Care Academy Skills Hwb.

To find out more call 0845 4086 253, email arwain@nptcgroup.ac.uk or search ‘Powys Health and Care Academy Skills Hwb’ online.