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.

Completed Projects

Pathway to Diagnostics 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!

Pathway to Diagnostics 12 Week Course - Careers in the NHS

A range of clinical and non-clinical vacancies need to be filled at ESNEFT within the Diagnostic Department.

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

If you would like to register your interest in future opportunities please contact us using the details below:

Apply today – call 01206 712825 or 01206 814292

Email cdh@colchester.ac.uk.

Our Pathways to Diagnostics programme has been developed through a key partnership with East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Trust (ESNEFT).

This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund*

Who is the course for?

The project has been co-designed with ESNEFT to provide residents from North Essex with the opportunity to acquire skills to support local job opportunities created within the Diagnostic Departments at ESNEFT.

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

What will I learn?

Participants will learn new skills via masterclass sessions at the ICENI Centre in Colchester, through eLearning sessions and through practical learning in both simulated and live environments on work placement rotation at Clacton or Colchester Hospital. The project will act as a pilot, developing new career routes to help bolster the NHS workforce and is expected to be one-of-a-kind in the UK that may be replicated by others around the country.

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 may also be able to be supported with travel, lunch, uniforms and childcare expenses (Subject to eligibility).

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):

  1. Initial screening programme comprising interview, inductions and recommendation to complete attend sessions at learning shops if needed, ICENI masterclasses where participants can learn about the types of roles for which we will be recruiting, employability courses and functional skills. Masterclasses will aim to demonstrate all available roles within Diagnostic Departments at ESNEFT.
  2. 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.

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

*The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fund-prospectus

Armed Forces 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

Ipswich Community Diagnostics Training Academy

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!

Ipswich Community Diagnostics Training Academy 12 weeks programme – Careers in the NHS

A range of clinical and non-clinical vacancies need to be filled at Ipswich Hospital ESNEFT within various Departments mainly at Radiology.

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 residents from East Suffolk with the opportunity to acquire skills to support local job opportunities created within the Ipswich 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 complete adult education courses at Suffolk New College for a short, accredited qualification before learning new skills via masterclass sessions delivered at the Ipswich Hospital or online, through eLearning sessions and through practical learning in both simulated and live environments on work placement rotation at Ipswich Hospital. The project develops new career routes to help bolster the NHS workforce.

What support will I receive?

Every participant needs to book a Career Advice appointment with a Colchester Institute Career Advisor, where they will receive a personalised career progression advice, application and general employment advice as well as CV writing support. You can book this by emailing training.academies@colchester.ac.uk

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.

Initial screening programme comprising of a carer advise interview, inductions and recommendation to attend sessions at Suffolk New College, 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 provide an insight into roles within the diagnostic/placement areas..

The main work programme will include a 6-week rotational work placement.

Guaranteed interviews are offered to candidates who have actively engaged and successfully completed all elements of the programme.

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

Working in partnership with Suffolk New College

General Practice Foundation Training Academy
Information for ApplicantsInformation for Practices

A new career is waiting for you in NHS General Practice!

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

Careers in NHS General Practice 12 week programme.

A range of clinical and non-clinical vacancies need to be filled in GP Surgeries across North Essex.   Learn about the range of roles we have available and train to become a General Practice Assistant, Healthcare Assistant, Receptionist or Administrator.

Join our 12 weeks free course providing real observational work placements and training.
Who is the course for?

The project has been co-designed with Primary Care Networks to provide residents from North Essex with the opportunity to acquire transferable skills to support job opportunities within local GP Surgeries.

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

What will I learn?

You will learn of the range of job opportunities and associated duties available within Primary Care.  We will provide training on the competencies needed to access employment and this will include an overview of the NHS, administration functions, clinical observations and measurements, care certificate and a range of other key aspects that relate to the roles on offer.

Depending on previous qualifications, you might be referred to complete adult skills centre courses at Colchester Institute for a short, accredited qualification before learning new skills via masterclass sessions delivered in person in Colchester or Clacton or online, through eLearning sessions and through practical learning in both simulated and live environments on work placement rotation.

The project develops new career routes to help bolster the wider NHS General Practice workforce, with a particular emphasis on developing General Practice Assistants for local GP Surgeries.

What support will I receive?

Every participant needs to book a Career Advice appointment with a Colchester Institute Career Advisor, where they will receive personalised career progression advice, application and general employment advice as well as CV writing support. You can book this by emailing training.academies@colchester.ac.uk

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, GP Surgery representatives and peer reviews. Participants can also be supported with expenses such as 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.

Initial screening programme comprising of a career advice interview, inductions and recommendation to attend sessions at Colchester Institute if needed, employability courses and functional skills; masterclasses where participants can learn about the types of roles for which GP surgeries will be recruiting. ‘Masterclasses will provide with an insight into roles within the placement areas at GPs’.

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

What makes this programme unique?

  • Training course leads to the actual job position at the end after successful interview
  • Easy entry to NHS General Practice which will provide you with an opportunity to enhance your career
  • Potentially progress to become a General Practice Assistant
  • The course is completely free covering all related expenses: travel, lunch, uniform, DBS check, childcare and others*
  • Free peer mentor support through the programme
  • No skills or prior experience is needed

Why choose Primary Care?

Local GP surgeries are the lifeblood of local communities – General Practitioners have an important role in looking after patients in their homes and within the communities where they live. They are part of a much wider team whose role includes promoting, preventing and initiating treatment.   You could play a vital role in supporting this critical part of the NHS and develop your career through a range of pathways.
There’s never been a better time to join!

When can I apply?

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

General Practice Training Academy

NHS Suffolk and North East Essex - Integrated Care Board (ICB) Logo

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

12-week Training and Recruitment Programme supporting your workforce

Suffolk and North Essex ICB have commissioned Colchester Institute and ESNEFT to continue their successful training academy programmes, with a focus on supporting staffing in Primary Care Networks in North East Essex.

We will be offering a 12-week training programme to support the range of clinical and non-clinical vacancies in GP Surgeries across North Essex, with a particular focus on providing suitable candidates to take up GP Assistant roles over time, which attracts specific funding.

Work with us to support the range of roles you will need to fill over time including GP Assistants, Healthcare Assistants, Receptionists and Administrators.

Evidence suggests that effective GP Assistants can:

  • improve patient access and release highly qualified staff to concentrate on treating and managing patients with more complex conditions
  • improve patient flow within surgery hours, increasing the time efficiency of appointments, and reduction of waiting times
  • have a positive impact on GP retention and job satisfaction
  • reduce time spent by GPs on administration and managing correspondence

The aim of the project is to boost the local talent bank available to GP Surgeries in the local area with a ready-made supply of trained individuals who have acquired the requisite knowledge and competencies through a 12-week free course providing real observational work placements and training.

Who is the course for?

The project has been co-designed with Primary Care Network leads to provide residents from North Essex with the opportunity to acquire transferable skills to support job opportunities created within local GP Surgeries.

What will they learn from the programme?

They will learn of the range of job opportunities within Primary Care.  They will be trained on the competencies needed to access employment and this will include :

  1. An overview of the NHS, ICB, PCN, GP Surgeries and the role of a GP Assistant.
  2. An introduction to Primary Care including administration functions, coding, note taking and discharge summaries
  3. General Induction including infection control, GDPR and EDI
  4. Phlebotomy and venepuncture
  5. Clinical observations and physiological measurements
  6. Care certificate theory standards 1 – 15 (via eLearning)

Depending on previous qualifications, they might also be referred to complete adult skills centre courses at Colchester Institute for a short, accredited qualification before learning new skills via the masterclass sessions delivered in person in Colchester or Clacton or online, through eLearning sessions and through practical learning in both simulated and live environments on work placement rotation.

What support will they receive?

Every participant needs to attend work placements to understand the workings of a thriving GP Surgery.

They will receive a Career Advice appointment with a Colchester Institute Career Advisor, where they will receive personalised career progression advice, application and general employment advice as well as CV writing support.

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, GP Surgery representatives and peer reviews. Participants can also be supported with expenses such as 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

Initial screening programme comprising of a career advice interview, inductions and recommendation to attend sessions at Colchester Institute if needed, employability courses and functional skills; masterclasses where participants can learn about the types of roles for which GP surgeries will be recruiting. Masterclasses will aim to demonstrate all available clinical and non-clinical roles.

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

What makes this programme unique?

  • Training course leads to the potential of a rewarding job at the end after successful interview
  • Easy entry to NHS General Practice which will provide an opportunity for career progression – potentially to become a trainee General Practice Assistant
  • The course is completely free covering all related expenses: travel, lunch, uniform, DBS check, childcare and others*
  • Free peer mentor support through the programme
  • No skills or prior experience is needed

What are the benefits to my GP Surgery?

  • An opportunity to fill your current and future vacancies with trained staff
  • Improves staff retention and morale
  • Supports succession planning
  • Provides additional staff flexibility and cover
  • Relieves GPs of Administration and other tasks
  • Increases patient access and satisfaction and patient experience
  • Access specific Health England funding for GP Assistants
  • Contributes to achievement of surgery objectives

What do I need to do to join the scheme?*

  • Participating PCNs will need to provide work placement opportunities to project participants including mentoring (up to 2 days per week per participant)
  • To provide potential career pathways for GP Assistants
  • To work proactively in partnership with the project team
  • To provide feedback to assist continuous improvement

*This will be part of the GP Training Academy Charter signed by participating PCNs and the other project partners.

What do GP Surgeries need to do to participate?

Register your interest with Freda.bhatti@nhs.net

West Suffolk Community Training Academy

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!

The West Suffolk Community Training Academy is a 12-week programme, designed to give participants the skills to fill a range of clinical and non-clinical vacancies at the Newmarket Community Diagnostics Centre (CDC), elsewhere within the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (WSFT) and in local general practices.

The Newmarket CDC will be a brand new facility at the Newmarket Community Hospital that will give communities living in and around Newmarket quicker and easier access to the care they need. Once open later this year, it will help the NHS reduce waiting times and health inequalities across West Suffolk. If you would like a career that makes a real difference, this programme gives you the perfect opportunity to do so.

This free course will provide real observational work placements, training, and a guaranteed job interview upon course completion (for those pursuing roles at the Newmarket CDC or elsewhere within the WSFT).

Who is the course for?

This gives the West Suffolk communities the opportunity to acquire the skills needed to work in the Newmarket CDC, elsewhere within the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust and in local general practices.

Applicants must be over 18, but do not need to have any prior experience or knowledge of the NHS or diagnostics.

What will I learn?

The masterclasses and sessions will give you the skills and knowledge you need to thrive in NHS diagnostics, in areas such as:

  • X-ray
  • CT
  • MRI
  • Ultrasound
  • Phlebotomy
  • Various administrative and clerical roles elsewhere within the WSFT and local general practice

Depending on your personal circumstances, you may be referred to complete adult education courses at the West Suffolk College for a short, accredited qualification. These will take place while learning new skills via masterclass sessions delivered at the University and Professional Development Centre at the West Suffolk College campus.

How does the course work?

The course is divided into two stages over the 12-weeks.

The first is a screening stage which is comprised of:

  • Career advice interview
  • Induction (and recommendation to attend adult education courses)
  • Masterclasses which outline the placement areas during the programme and the job roles available upon completion of the programme

The second stage is a six-week rotational work placement, which will include the opportunity to experience various clinical and non-clinical settings at the West Suffolk Hospital and gain real-life experience of working in an NHS diagnostics environment. Placements for participants considering a career in general practice can be arranged. Upon completion of the placement stage, participants will attend mock interviews to help prepare them for their job interviews.

All masterclasses will take place between 10am and 2pm, and all placements will be from 8am to 4pm (this may be subject to change).

Guaranteed interviews are offered to candidates applying for roles at the Newmarket CDC or elsewhere within the WSFT who have actively engaged and successfully completed all elements of the programme.

Please note: a guaranteed interview does not guarantee you the job. However, you will receive all the tools and support to get you ready.

Upon completion of the course, depending on the job role you have received a successful job offer for, you will be required to complete the Care Certificate. This training will be provided by the West Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust.

What positions are available at the Newmarket CDC?

The positions available include:

  • Imaging assistants across various specialties (including MRI, CT and ultrasound)
  • Phlebotomists
  • Receptionists and care navigators
  • Administrators
  • Porters
  • Cleaners

Many more opportunities for roles at the WSFT and across Suffolk in general practices are available.

What makes this programme unique?

The West Suffolk Community Training Academy offers:

  • Training, experience and support that leads to a guaranteed interview (for Newmarket CDC and WSFT applicants)
  • The opportunity to begin a rewarding career in the NHS where you can grow and develop
  • A completely free course which covers all related expenses, including travel, lunch, all materials, DBS check, childcare and more
  • Free peer mentor support throughout, and after the programme
  • A path to skilled employment without the need for prior skills or experience

What support will I receive during the programme?

Every participant will be supported through telephone, face-to-face and online coaching, including access to group sessions designed to ensure you are well prepared and feel confident ahead of your final job interview.

Interview practice will be delivered through panels, involving West Suffolk College, the WSFT and peer reviews.

You will also receive financial support in the form of:

  • Travel and mileage
  • Lunch (up to £5 per day)
  • Uniform (including trousers and shoes)
  • Stationary and educational materials
  • Childcare expenses
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DSB) check

A dedicated project management team is available to support you during, and after your time on the programme.

When can I apply?

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