New Blackpool and Fylde Coast Health and Social Care Career Academy launched

Education and health and social care industry partners have come together to launch a ground-breaking new career academy, to mark this year’s World Health Day.

Programmes have been co-created by health and social care providers and educationalists to deliver the exact skills needed for new professionals or current staff wishing to advance their career.

As an employer-led academy, programmes will also provide students with unparalleled work placements as part of their education.

“Health and social care is a priority area across Lancashire, with forecasts suggesting employment in the county’s health and social care sector is set to grow substantially in the period to 2024, with some issues already identified surrounding skills gaps, an ageing workforce and recruitment and retention concerns.[1]

“Through the direction of its employer-led steering group, the academy will facilitate the education, training and development needs of Fylde Coast health and care providers using a tailored, ‘home grown’ strategy which meets the key needs of the local population and the economy.”

“Supporting the development of knowledge and skills for the health and social care sector across the Fylde Coast is vital to ensuring good quality care for our local population, wherever they are cared for.

Cllr Amy Cross, cabinet member for adult services and health at Blackpool Council, said: “This is an exciting initiative that will see experts work together to help close the skills gap in the health and social care sector.

“The launch of the academy is testimony to the strong desire and commitment by all of the partners throughout the area to help improve the health and wellbeing of our local residents.”

“The Health and Social Care Career Academy is an exemplar of that level of partnership working with members from the public, private and third sector coming together to ensure we have the highest quality skills delivery for those wishing to begin or advance their careers in the sector.”

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/YVDQTC8

Industry partners involved in the academy currently include: Blackpool Carers Centre, Chaseley Care Home, Cherish UK, Creative Support, FCMS, Homecare For You, Lancaster University, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Napier Home Care, Ormerod Group, Safehands, Spiral Health, Skills for Care, Trinity Hospice, Trades Union Congress (TUC) and Ubu.

www.hscacademy.org.uk [1] http://www.lancashirelep.co.uk/lep-priorities/skills-employment/evidence-base.aspx