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