National Care Group launches apprenticeship scheme to plug skills gap

Leading provider of care and support services to vulnerable adults National Care Group has launched an academy and apprenticeship programme to help kickstart a career in care for the next generation.

Introduced to pave the way for school leavers to train and develop, the National Care Group Academy and Support Worker Apprenticeship programme offers candidates the opportunity to learn on the job and gain care qualifications at the same time. 

With 24 paid positions currently on offer, successful applicants will work alongside colleagues across a range of the company’s services to deliver individual, person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities, mental health illness and complex needs. 

“A career in care can often be overlooked by younger generations, however, we are determined to change the narrative through the National Care Group Academy,” said National Care Group people director Claire Leake (pictured).

“Through a combination of practical on-the-job experience and academic learning, it will equip individuals for a promising career, moulding them into well-rounded carers,” she added.

According to a recent report by Skills for Care, the current vacancy rate for adult social care roles in England is more than 7.3 per cent, with more than a quarter of those being aged 55 or above. 

Leake continued: “There’s no doubt that we need more young people coming into the sector but, most importantly, we want to make sure we’re hiring the right person for the role. Often people can be nervous about putting themselves forward for a career in care due to their academic performance, but this is a common misconception. 

There are no academic requirements to become an apprentice at the Academy. Instead, the ideal candidate is based on personal attributes, including being eager to learn, hardworking, instinctively caring and flexible.

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