ARU wins contract to upskill social care workers

Published: 14 July 2020 at 16:24

A home carer with an elderly man

University to work with Essex County Council to provide apprenticeships

Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) has been awarded a contract by Essex County Council (ECC) to enable people working in the social care sector to boost their skills. 

ARU will provide education for up to 25 Social Work Degree Apprentices a year from January 2021, building on the success of its first cohort, who began their courses in January 2020. It will also provide Nursing Apprenticeships to support adult social care workers to become registered nurses and nursing associates working in the social care sector.

The Nightingale Social Care Bursary and Nursing Apprenticeship Scheme is part of a new £1.1million investment in nursing and social care by ECC to support training opportunities and qualifications in the care profession.

The bursary will help people already working in the sector without a qualification in Health and Social Care to gain a national and sector-recognised Diploma that supports their job role.

Jenny Rafter, of ARU, said:

“The apprenticeship route is in keeping with ARU’s commitment to widening participation and we have been hugely impressed with the rich vocational experience of our apprentices.  

“We are delighted to be part of this initiative, which opens up new and exciting pathways for people working in the social care profession.”

 

Cllr David Finch, Leader of ECC, said:

“This year marks the 200th birthday of Florence Nightingale, and I cannot think of a more fitting person to celebrate at this moment. 

“I cannot thank our health and social care workers enough, especially over the past few months, but I hope that this more than £1m commitment goes some way towards helping our most dedicated workers to progress even further in this valuable field, while attracting more of our residents to take up this fantastic profession.”