Hundreds of young adults and people aged over 50 are to be offered training in the care sector in a bid to 'get Britain working'. It is hoped that the new scheme will help young people enter employment as well as encouraging over-50s to return to work.
Scheme details
The announcement comes after former health secretary Alan Milburn issued a warning last month, saying a 'whole system failure' has led nearly one in seven of the UK's 16 to 24-year-olds to become NEETs - meaning they are not in employment, education or training. In a report, Mr Milburn stated that lack of work experience is 'the single most-cited barrier to work amongst young people'.
To attempt to reduce unemployment figures, fifty programmes - offering a level one qualification in health and social care - will be offered to youngsters in the 18 to 24-year-old bracket, as well as those aged over 50. The programmes will run for between two and six weeks, with up to 15 people in them each.
Guaranteed interviews
Healthcare company Cera said those who complete the training will be guaranteed interviews for care assistant roles. Cera, which describes itself as a digital-first home healthcare company, will host the training through Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes, Government-funded schemes known as Swaps.
The scheme could also fill gaps in the adult social care sector which has long faced problems with staff retention and recruitment. On any given day in 2024/25 there was an estimated 111,000 vacancies in England within the sector.
Government support
Announcing the care sector training, employment minister Dame Diana Johnson said: 'Our mission is to get Britain working – and that means reaching people of every age who have the potential to build meaningful careers.'
'That's why Cera's back to work programme is so vital – from young people finding their confidence and purpose to over-50s returning to work, the scheme will help to change lives. By joining forces, we can help people kickstart rewarding careers in the care sector while continuing to drive our economy forward.'
Dr Ben Maruthappu, Cera founder, said the firm had 'actively worked to recruit more older workers and have been glad to see more over-50s applying for jobs at Cera, whether coming from retirement, or looking for a career change'. He added that the company was now also 'determined to attract more young talent into this uniquely rewarding line of work, empowering them to build careers for life, with real opportunities for growth, innovation and progression'.
The Government said the Department for Work and Pensions covers the administrative costs for running a Swap, and the Adult Skills Fund covers pre-employment training.
