TRAINING & EDUCATION


Care Crisis: Can Young People Save the Social Sector?


Gemma Roman, Pre-Employment Manager at Qube Learning, talks about supporting and training young people as a workforce that will solve the care crisis.


The last two years have presented the UK with a perfect storm in the health and social care sector, making landfall on the most vulnerable communities and workers across the country.


A combination of uncertain funding, Brexit, the ageing population and pre-existing bed shortages have collided with huge pressures brought on by the coronavirus pandemic, and later, inflexible requirements for all workers to be vaccinated.


Even a recent U-turn on vaccination demands has come too late to prevent a further 40,000 care sector job losses since November 2021. That’s 40,000 additional vacancies to fill in the last four months alone.


From talking to the care providers that Qube is working with in partnership with the Prince’s Trust, there is a real excitement among employers about the potential ability of young people to turn the workforce crisis around. The arrival of the pandemic in unison with Brexit has severely diminished workforces from both the older generation and EU/foreign countries, and new applications from young people interested in starting a career in care are a fresh hope for many.


THERE ARE MORE OPPORTUNITIES THAN


YOU THINK For the right young people, one of the most interesting things about work in the care sector is the variety. So many people hear ‘health and social care’ and think of personal care and nursing environments. While there are many rewarding personal carer roles to fill – and many young people who would excel in these jobs – when we talk about the sector, we refer to any role that supports those accessing care.


Are you a keen cook or baker when you get home from college? You could apply for a role in the kitchen of a care facility as sous chef.


Do you love being outside and think desk work isn’t for you? Perhaps a role as a gardener in a residential home would suit you.


Were you considering whether hospitality might fit well with your friendly demeanour? Welcoming residents and their families at a reception desk could be an ideal job if you like to talk to new people.


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There are thousands of young people that haven’t ever thought of working in care, but would like to cook for a living, for example. In our partnership with The Prince’s Trust, we offer to guide 16–30-year-olds who are not in work or training, or who would like to move over from another type of work, who want to explore opportunities like this but are unsure where to start or whether they’re the right candidate.


While the scope for opportunity is vast, we also ensure candidates have a good understanding of the sector and what their work will be supporting. A chef may work in the kitchen predominantly, but we would still expect some interaction with residents – so we prepare them for this environment, and that leads to much higher rates of staff retention for care providers.


The partnership allows Qube Learning to access a range of vacancies that employers need to fill, and with funding provided by the Prince’s Trust, individually coach each young person in whatever skills they need from making an initial application, through interviews and the first months of work.


And perhaps most importantly, at no cost to the candidate or employer.


TAILOR-MADE PERSONAL COACHING


Known as ‘interventions’ at Qube, these one-to-one sessions are highly personalised coaching opportunities for young people. Together we are able to identify which skills they have and lack, to grow their confidence and knowledge, and find a role suitable for their entry into what could be a lifelong career.


There is no need for any of the young people who come to us to have work experience, or a particular set of qualifications – the emphasis is on being interested and willing to learn.


Sometimes a candidate will only need one session. Sometimes a candidate will need a structured series of sessions where they can work on any tricky areas. Both requirements can be met here. The advantage of the one- to-one sessions is that all the coaching is learner led – there is no syllabus, no curriculum – it is a highly personalised learning environment.


Equally, applicants don’t have to have exactly the right words ready to access guidance from us. For example, candidates


www.tomorrowscare.co.uk


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