The MOST Spring/Summer 2021

ADULT CARE: DO WE CARE ENOUGH? The Care Service sector has over the years, been one of Preston’s College’s biggest industry sectors for apprenticeships; with our industry experienced tutors training around 500 apprentices in the past three years alone. Yet, COVID-19 (and Brexit) has had a dramatic impact on the healthcare sector, with nursing homes and residential homes pausing on the recruitment of new staff and apprentices, resulting in the lack of new skills and knowledge being injected into the industry. Yet, there is a real need for adult care workers to help look after the most vulnerable in society, and even more so now. The public are being called upon to apply for rewarding short-term and long-term opportunities in the adult social care sector to support care home residents and those being cared for at home. Minister for Care Helen Whately said: “Since the pandemic began, we’ve seen thousands of wonderful people step forward to volunteer for the NHS and take part in our truly tremendous national vaccination effort. Today, I’m asking people to step forward to help in social care too.” “We need more people who want to play their part in this pandemic to choose social care. There are thousands of opportunities, from short-term roles to long-term careers.” Samina, Employer Engagement and Apprenticeship Specialist says: “The Adult Care sector has always been a popular course for our students and the recent Covid pandemic has really highlighted the need for more healthcare workers in the UK. There are so many career opportunities that an Adult Care qualification could open up for our learners; from Care Assistant, Care Worker and Relief Team Worker, through to Substance Misuse Worker, Learning Disability Support Worker and Mental Health Support Worker which is a huge focus right now.” Dee Gourlay, Lecturer in Mental Health and Well-being says: “Samina’s right. Mental health is big news at the moment. We want caring and compassionate people who would like to step forward and help our most vulnerable people feel like they are the most important person in their carer’s life, even if it’s just for a few hours.” She continues: “We want to train people to be aware of mental health and mental ill-health and to put their client at the heart of their care, helping them to stay in control. We would welcome people who think they would like to be in a job where they have helped their client have the best day possible…every day.” Preston’s College offers a wealth of courses in adult care, from bespoke apprenticeship programmes that are fully delivered in the work place and often used to upskill current members of staff; through to professional courses for adult learners who are looking to improve their skills or enhance their career. For more information about the courses we offer, please read on. | 6