Vital upskilling thanks to college and care provider collaboration

In a time where upskilling care workers has never been so critical, a new cohort of students has started on the Level 5 Assistant Practitioners course at Cornwall College St Austell.

The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) and Cornwall Care formed a unique partnership earlier on in the year to create a new Care Academy that will secure the quality training and development of the county’s next generation of carers.

The care sector is one of the region’s biggest employers and is a Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership “golden opportunity”.

Level 5 Assistant Practitioner student at Cornwall College St Austell, Julie McNaughton, said she enrolled onto the course because she wants to “give the best care and be the best that I can be”.

Nurses at Cornwall Care are helping to tutor the students with Cornwall College St Austell.

Level 5 Assistant Practitioner student at Cornwall College St Austell, Victoria Somerville, said it is really “exciting to have the opportunity to get recognition for the work we do”.

“It would be great for more people to see we are skilled workers and qualified, it really is amazing to be able to train and upskill on the job,” she continued.

“Social care is just awesome. I am so proud to work in this sector.”

Fellow Level 5 Assistant Practitioner student at the College, Adam Crickett, said this course will “really help us to improve our knowledge and meet the needs of the industry”.

Anne Thomas, CEO of Cornwall Care, said the course is “a game-changer for Cornwall Care”.

“Our nurses are helping to tutor these students and, once they qualify as assistant practitioners, will be working with them in our homes and in the community,” she continued.

“That’s a very exciting step forward in upskilling our team and forging long-term career paths that promise satisfying jobs and excellent prospects.

“I’m delighted to be working in partnership with The Cornwall College Group and look forward to welcoming these budding assistant practitioners into the Cornwall Care fold.”

 Care Academy at Cornwall College St Austell will ensure learners receive the best training, leading to a rewarding career, according to Vice Principal Quality & Curriculum at TCCG, Kate Wills.

“This is a significant investment for training in the care sector for Cornwall, and we are incredibly excited and proud to be working with such a great organisation in Cornwall Care,” she explained.

“Cornwall Care provides a critical service for the region, so to be able to support this work by helping to train and upskill carers is fantastic. Learners will receive quality education and training in a dedicated area with the equipment and resources they will use in their careers.”

Cornwall College St Austell boasts an entire section of its campus for the Care Academy, providing training rooms, interactive bed caring stations as well as larger meeting areas.

Places are now available for 16- to 18-year-olds on the two-year, Level 3 Health and Social Care Practice course in addition to the Level 5 Assistant Practitioner course.

The Level 3 course provides in-depth study and training and two days per week in a range of health and social care settings, with Cornwall Care. It also provides the theory and experience, invaluable for progression into higher education, such as a nursing degree or into employment in the health sector as a practitioner in a variety of settings.

Cornwall College St Austell is hosting a virtual open day for all 16-18 school leavers on Thursday 26^th November 5-7pm.

To register to attend the College virtual open event please go to https://www.cornwall.ac.uk/virtual-open-days-home/virtual-open-day/