Leeds City Council offers a free two-week pre-employment course for individuals aiming to start a career in children’s residential care. Successful completion guarantees an interview for a residential practitioner role, providing practical skills, paediatric first aid qualification, and insights into supporting looked after children.
What is Leeds City Council’s initiative for careers in children’s residential care?
Leeds City Council offers a free two-week pre-employment course for individuals aiming to start a career in children’s residential care. Successful completion guarantees an interview for a residential practitioner role. The course provides practical skills, paediatric first aid qualification, and insights into supporting looked after children. It’s part of the city’s vision to create a skilled workforce for a child-friendly Leeds.
A Stepping Stone to Meaningful Work
The city of Leeds is proactively addressing the need for skilled professionals in children’s social care through a novel initiative. The Leeds City Council has taken a significant step to bolster the workforce in this segment by introducing a free pre-employment course designed to serve as a bridge for individuals seeking to embark on a career in children’s residential care. Participants who successfully complete this immersive two-week program will be rewarded with a coveted interview for a residential practitioner role with the council.
Central to the fabric of residential children’s homes, residential practitioners play a pivotal role – they are the fulcrum around which the daily lives of children and young people in care revolve. These professionals are tasked with creating a nurturing environment that fosters trust and growth, guiding these young individuals towards a promising future steeped in independence. The course, slated to run from November 27 to December 8 at Leeds City College’s Eastgate campus, is structured to accommodate the schedules of aspirants, running Monday through Friday between the hours of 9:30 am and 2:30 pm.
Prospective participants are required to be 19 or older and exhibit foundational competencies in maths and English, as evidenced by qualifications or equivalent experience. The course is not merely an educational venture; it is an immersive experience that provides insights into the residential practitioner role. Attendees will learn through practical skill-building and deepen their understanding of the unique needs of looked after children. Successful candidates can also earn an accredited qualification in paediatric first aid, adding a valuable credential to their burgeoning skill set.
Building the Workforce of Tomorrow
Leeds City Council is not alone in this endeavor; it has joined forces with the Leeds Health and Care Academy and Leeds City College, all driven by a shared vision encapsulated in the Connecting Communities with Health and Care Careers programme. This initiative is a concerted effort to dismantle barriers to employment and training, especially for those hailing from disadvantaged communities or underrepresented groups. It extends beyond training, offering practical support aimed at equipping individuals with the skills and confidence needed to navigate their careers in the health and social care sectors.
The council’s ambition is clear and resonates with the ethos of making Leeds a child-friendly city. This vision is for a Leeds where every child is safe, content, and thriving, a city where young ones excel academically, realize their potential, and evolve into active, influential citizens.
Leeds City Council stands tall as one of the largest employers in the region, boasting over 14,000 employees. It actively seeks talented individuals aligned with its values and aspirations. Full details about the job opportunities and benefits offered by the council can be found on the Leeds City Council’s job site. The Employment and Skills service further complements these initiatives by offering personalized advice and support related to career options, training, and navigation of the local employment landscape.
Hearing from Those Who’ve Paved the Way
The course is more than a gateway; it’s a holistic introduction to the world of social care in Leeds. Nazir Williams, an alumnus of the residential practitioner pre-employment course, offers a glowing endorsement, rating his experience as a perfect ten. Williams attests to the course’s comprehensive nature, highlighting its effectiveness in conveying the intricacies of working with children and families. Beyond skills, the course instills confidence and offers a glimpse into the rewarding nature of a career with Leeds City Council.
Councillor Fiona Venner, executive member for children’s social care and health partnerships, views the course as an embodiment of innovation and collaboration. It reflects the council’s efforts to forge pathways for those who might find it challenging to access training and employment opportunities. With a focus on family and community, the council’s ongoing investment into residential provisions across Leeds is creating new opportunities for dedicated individuals who share a passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.
Shell Stanley, Head of Leeds One Workforce at the Leeds Health and Care Academy, emphasizes the transformative nature of the programme. It upends traditional recruitment by offering training upfront, allowing candidates to make an informed choice about their suitability for the role. The programme is not just about filling vacancies; it’s about creating matches that will lead to long-term success and satisfaction on both sides.
For those inspired to learn more or apply for the pre-employment course, the Leeds Health and Care Academy website serves as the starting point. Interested parties can fill out a short inquiry form, and further questions can be addressed via email to the dedicated health and care talent team.
The commitment of Leeds City Council to foster a nurturing and skilled workforce for its youngest citizens stands as a testament to the city’s dedication to public service and community well-being. Through initiatives like this free two-week course, Leeds not only invests in the future of its children but also in the careers and lives of those who choose to embark on this noble path.
- Leeds City Council offers a free two-week pre-employment course for individuals aiming to start a career in children’s residential care, guaranteeing an interview for a residential practitioner role.
- The course provides practical skills, a paediatric first aid qualification, and insights into supporting looked after children.
- The course is part of the city’s vision to create a skilled workforce for a child-friendly Leeds.
- Leeds City Council has partnered with the Leeds Health and Care Academy and Leeds City College to dismantle barriers to employment and training in the health and social care sectors.
- The course offers a holistic introduction to the world of social care in Leeds and has received positive feedback from alumni.