Christmas Closure Information

Our campuses close on Friday 20th December and re-open on Thursday 2nd January 2025 for the Christmas Break.

Students will return to timetabled lessons on Monday 6th January 2025.

For information on term dates and enquiries please visit our information page using the button below.

Armed Forces Community Employment Programme

This training academy has finished. If you like to receive any information, please email training.academies@colchester.ac.uk

A new career is waiting for you in the NHS!

Armed Forces Community Employment 12 weeks programme – Careers in the NHS

A range of non-clinical vacancies need to be filled at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) within various admin departments.

Join our 12 weeks free course providing real observational work placements, training and a guaranteed job interview on course completion!

Who is the course for?

The project has been co-designed with ESNEFT to provide the family dependents particularly spouses/partners of serving armed forces personnel and veterans to a range of administrative and clerical roles within ESNEFT, particularly at Colchester Hospital.

You do not need to have any prior experience or knowledge to enter this work programme.

What will I learn?

Depending on personal circumstances, you might be referred to Adult Skills Centre for a short, accredited qualification before learning new skills via ICENI masterclass sessions delivered either at the ICENI Centre in Colchester or Colchester Institute, through eLearning sessions and through practical learning in both simulated and live environments on work placement rotation at Colchester Hospital. The project develops new career routes to help bolster the NHS workforce.

What support will I receive?

All participants will be supported by phone, face-to-face and online, including access group sessions ensuring participants are confident for final job interview. Interview practice will be delivered through interview panels, involving Colchester Institute, ESNEFT and peer reviews. Participants are also supported with travel, lunch, uniforms and childcare expenses. There is a dedicated project management team available to support each candidate.

How does the course work?

The course will be divided into two elements and will last up to 12 weeks (depending on prior experience, the number of weeks might decrease):

Initial screening programme comprising of an inductions and recommendation to attend sessions at Adult Skills Centre, if needed, employability courses and functional skills; ICENI masterclasses where participants can learn about the types of roles for which NHS will be recruiting. Masterclasses will aim to demonstrate all available roles within non-clinical departments at ESNEFT.

The main work programme will include a 6-week rotational work placement (2 days per week) alongside taught workshops and eLearning modules.

Once these elements are complete there will be a guaranteed job interview for all successful participants.

Please note that a guaranteed interview does not guarantee the job; however, you will receive all support and assistance to get you ready: mock interviews or interview sessions will be available.

What makes this programme unique?

  • Training course leads to the actual job position at the end after successful interview
  • Easy entry to NHS services which will provide you with an opportunity to grow
  • The course is completely free covering all related expenses: travel, lunch, uniform, DBS check, childcare and others
  • Free peer mentor support through the programme
  • Guaranteed job interview
  • No skills or prior experience is needed

When can I apply?

This training academy has finished. If you like to receive any information, please email training.academies@colchester.ac.uk

Armed Forces Covenant - Employer Recognition Scheme