Skills for Care launches Management Programme to attract more graduates into health and social care

Skills for Care, the sector skills council for adult social care in England, is running a campaign over the summer to attract more graduates into health and social care for its new Graduate Management Programme, in partnership with the NHS Leadership Academy.

With 90,000 vacancies in the sector on any given day and increasing demand for highly skilled workers, there are lots of opportunities for university leavers to bring a fresh perspective to a sector that’s always evolving.

Skills for Care’s done a lot of work with employers to recruit more graduates in the past, mainly through its Graduate Management Programme.

Last year, 19 employers hosted graduates and the feedback was very positive.

Sean Ray, Digital Inclusion Coordinator and Social Activities Officer, Age UK Cheshire commented:

“Our trainee took a pivotal role in creating a new health project, and the support they received from Skills for Care was invaluable throughout their time here.”

Tracy Cole, Senior Learning and Development Manager, Sanctuary Care added:

“Once again Sanctuary Care has found the scheme invaluable. We do hope it continues within the sector as other recruitment arms are vital to ensure the sector is attractive to those seeking employment and more importantly careers in social care.”

Graduates can apply for a place between 10 August and 19 September 2017 by clicking here.

Adult social care employers can apply to host a graduate for 2018 by email.

Skills for Care also facilitates the I Care…Ambassadors initiative where careers and employment advisors can request an ‘ambassador’ to talk about social care careers.

The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and has supported recruitment into the sector – particularly amongst students. 93% of people said they had a better idea of what it’s like to work in social care after hearing from an ambassador and 95% of organisers said the activities were appropriate and engaging.

If you support people interested in a career in social care, find and contact your local ambassador here.

About Skills for Care: Skills for Care is the sector skills council for adult social care in England. It provides practical tools and support to help adult social care organisations in England recruit, develop and lead their workforce.