Careers in Care Training Academy

Information for ApplicantsInformation for Care home

Your new career is waiting for you in the Care Sector

Careers in Care Sector Training Academy free 5 weeks long programme. The first onboarding begins on 14th November – places are limited and reserved on a first come, first serve basis.

Thank you for your interest in our Training Academy. This programme has been co-designed with care networks, Care Fulfilment and the East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT) to ensure that our training is tailored to the skills needs within the sector.

Who is the course for?

No prior experience? No problem! This course is open to anyone, living locally, looking to enter the care sector, and prepared to learn new skills and increase their career prospects of a rewarding job in the industry.

What will I learn?

Throughout this programme you will learn, train and gain experience through observational work placements and expert-led training sessions. You’ll explore the diverse roles and responsibilities within the care sector, including:

  • An overview of the industry and its career opportunities
  • Key skills like care related observations, measurements and administrative functions
  • Training that includes a Care Certificate elements and practical skills needed to thrive in various roles

The project develops new career routes to help support the wider care sector workforce, with a particular emphasis on assisting participants in developing a career pathway leading to more senior roles.

What support will I receive?

Throughout the programme you’ll have the support of a dedicated Career Advisor from Colchester Institute who will work with you to build your confidence to a guaranteed interview, by providing:

  • Personalised career advice and application support
  • Help with writing your CV and preparing for interviews
  • Face-to-face, online and telephone advice
  • Access to group sessions
  • Mentor support throughout the programme

Interview practice will be delivered through interview panels, involving mainly representatives from Colchester Institute and the care sector, along with peer reviews.

Participants will also be supported with expenses such as travel, lunch, uniforms, and childcare expenses.

What makes this programme unique?

  • Training course leads to real jobs at the end, after a successful job interview.
  • Easy entry to the care sector, providing you with an opportunity to enhance your career and potentially leading to more senior roles.
  • First aid and care accredited certificate.
  • Guaranteed Interview on completion of the course.
  • The course is FREE, covering all related expenses: travel, lunch, uniform, DBS checks, childcare and more.
  • No prior skills, experience or qualifications are needed.

Why choose Care?

Working in care is more than just a job, it’s a chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. Care homes are at the heart of our community, offering a lifeline in a safe and supportive environment for those who need it most. Here’s what a career in care can offer you:

  • Personal satisfaction and professional growth from helping others and making a positive impact
  • Opportunities to develop essential skills like communication, problem-solving, and increasing medical knowledge
  • A stable and rewarding career with the opportunity for progression
  • Build meaningful relationships and understand diverse backgrounds

By joining a care home, you will be part of a vital workforce that ensures residents feel safe, valued, and cared for. This is your opportunity to make a real difference, offering emotional and physical support where it matters most. With diverse pathways for personal and professional growth, your career in the care sector can succeed in ways you never imagined. There are various roles available.

When can I apply?

Please fill in this Expression of Interest Form following this link or email training.academies@colchester.ac.uk.

This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Training Academy

Working in Partnership with ESNEFT, Care Fulfilment and Colchester City Council. This project is part-funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Careers in Care

Join our award-winning training academy to build a skilled, motivated, and dedicated workforce tailored to the growing needs of the care sector in Colchester.
A recent collaboration between Colchester Institute and East Suffolk and North Essex Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), has already successfully helped over 100 individuals secure employment in the Clacton area alone. This successful model was then expanded to Ipswich and West Suffolk Hospitals, GPs, and other health institutions. Collaboratively, we are now adapting this working model to support skills shortages in the care sector.

Our commitment is to help you recruit skilled and motivated professionals!

The aim of the project is to strengthen the local talent pool available to care homes by providing a ready-made supply of trained workers.

Who is the course for?

The project aims to offer residents in the local area, the chance to acquire the required skills to progress into job opportunities within local care homes.

What are the benefits to my Care Home?

  • An opportunity to fill your current and future vacancies with trained staff
  • Saving time in searching for new workers
  • Save budget on training
  • Improves staff retention and morale
  • Provides additional staff flexibility and cover
  • Improves patient access, satisfaction, and overall experience

How does the programme work?

  • Candidate Selection: We manage the recruitment, interviews and selection of motivated candidates ready to start work.
  • Comprehensive Training: We provide 2 weeks of intensive training.
  • Mock Interviews: Our candidates participate in mock interviews to ensure they are fully prepared for the formal process.
  • Work Experience: Upon request, we can arrange work experience placements in your organisation for you to observe candidates in real-life settings for 2 or 4 days.

What do I need to do to join the scheme?

  • To provide guaranteed job interviews for available entry-level roles to training academy participants.
  • To work proactively in partnership with the project team.
  • To provide feedback to assist continuous improvement.

What will participants learn from the programme?

Participants will be trained on the competencies needed to access employment and receive Level 1 Extended Award in Skills for Working in Health, Lifestyle, and Science Industries (theory portion of the Care Certificate). Some additional trainings are covered but not limited to:

  • Employability skills
  • Accredited First Aid Training
  • Infection Prevention and Control
  • Patient care
  • Fire Safety
  • Basic Life Support and more

What support will they receive?

Participants will receive certification upon completion and dedicated pastoral support throughout their employment journey via phone, face-to-face meetings, and online interactions. They will benefit from personalised career progression guidance, job application and employment advice, mock interviews, and CV writing support. A dedicated project management team will be available to assist each candidate. All participants will be supported with expenses such as travel, lunch, uniforms, and childcare costs.

Do not miss this opportunity!

Contact Tomas Kasiulis, Projects, and Programmes Manager today to join our Training Academy and start filling your vacancies with skilled, motivated people: tomas.kasiulis@colchester.ac.uk