LAL launches Hub from Home for learners seeking Health and Social Care career

Lancashire Adult Learning has launched an innovative online programme to learners across the Red Rose County who are seeking a rewarding career in the Health and Social Care sector.

Working in partnership with the Department for Work and Pensions, the exciting virtual Hub from Home programme replicates as accurately as possible Lancashire Adult Learning’s courses that would normally be run from the bespoke Health and Social Care Hub at its Northlight home in Brierfield.

From the comfort of their own homes, 15 learners will this week begin their five-week journey towards a career in the Health and Social Care sector, selected after a rigorous process from an initial list of over 400 enquirers.

Those who were not selected on this occasion will have the opportunity again in September when the new academic year begins, and in the meantime, they will be supported by LAL’s Health and Social Care Team with reading materials and links to keep them up-to-date with sector news.

As well as the Certificate in Health and Social Care at Level 1, additional qualifications undertaken during the programme includes Protection and Safeguarding, Dementia, Mental Health Awareness and Infection Prevention and Control in Healthcare settings.

Learners completing the initial five-week programme will then have the opportunity to complete further qualifications to advance their learning and knowledge, and those include Equality and Diversity, Health and Safety in the Workplace, Introduction to Learning Disabilities, Introduction to Autism Spectrum Condition, and Food Safety in Catering.

Nicola Hall, head of curriculum and strategic partnerships at Lancashire Adult Learning, said: “I’m delighted that the LAL team has adapted quickly to provide this innovative virtual learning experience while we cannot currently use our wonderful purpose-built Health and Social Care Hub at our home at Northlight in Brierfield.

“We’ve been completely blown away by the demand for our courses, with hundreds of enquirers all wishing to earn valued qualifications to gain meaningful employment in a sector that is incredibly worthwhile.

“Together with the support from our valued partners at DWP, our Hub at Home will progress people into employment in Health and Social Care, and they can begin making a positive difference to the lives of others.” 

Ray Felters, curriculum leader for health and social care at Lancashire Adult Learning, said: “The response has been absolutely brilliant and we have been extremely impressed with the calibre of applicant. 

“The qualifications as part of this five-week programme are industry-relevant and are especially pertinent in the current climate, such as the infection prevention and control aspect. The programme also builds on all the qualities needed for a career in Health and Social Care such as patience, communication, empathy, respectfulness, sensitivity, responsibility and professionalism. 

“We can’t wait to begin developing the Health and Social Care sector’s future workforce in Lancashire through our new and exciting virtual offer.” 

Cathy Ross, employer advisor manager at the Department for Work and Pensions in Lancashire, said: “It has been great to collaborate with Lancashire Adult Learning to develop a pathway into Health and Social work opportunities for our customers. 

“We’ve had to deliver training differently in light of current restrictions, and together we have developed a virtual package that includes the skills and knowledge our employers need. 

“I’m thrilled that the first cohort will start this week and I look forward to supporting our customers into work.”

More information on the Health and Social Care Hub and the Hub from Home programme can be found on the Lancashire Adult Learning website here: www.lal.ac.uk/health-and-social-care-hub/ 

Adult learners across Lancashire can also access classes and resources through LAL’s website after the organisation completed a switch to online teaching in April. 

Included in the activities offered online through the LAL website are Employability, Volunteering, Health and Wellbeing, Family Learning, Arts and Media, Languages and ICT resources, enabling adult learners to enjoy learning from the comfort of their homes.

Further information about Lancashire Adult Learning can be found at www.lal.ac.uk or by calling 0333 003 1717.