Caring Oldhamers 'Step into the NHS' with help from free eight week course

"For a long time I have wanted to work for the NHS. It pleases me to help someone in need of care" said one participant.

Twenty-three Oldham residents are proud to be on the pathway to a career with the NHS after completing the Step into the NHS course at the Millennium Cultural Centre on Featherstall Road.

Roles include those in customer service and business administration, healthcare support and laboratory technician positions.

The successful course, delivered by the NHS in partnership with Get Oldham Working the free council service helping people to find work and training, is now in its fifth year.

It teaches participants about health and safety, wellbeing, equality, diversity and NHS values, as well as communication and teamwork.

Cheryl Bates, Special Project Lead for Get Oldham Working, said: "This course has seen people go onto midwifery college and pursue careers in nursing.

"It gives people an insight into what it's like to work for the NHS.

"One has gone on to work in the pathology lab at Salford Royal, another became a theatre nurse and another is working in a children's home."

And NHS Curriculum Delivery Facilitator Sharon Nuttall said: "It has been really successful, giving people including stay-at-home mums and single parents the confidence to go on to college and make new friends."

Participants received their certificates for completing the course from Oldham Deputy Mayor Eddie Moores.

Father-of-four Niaz Ahmed said: "I have made lots of friends and found that it has opened up different avenues for me while I've learned new things.

"On this course you learn about yourself and things you wouldn't have known otherwise.

"For my local mosque I do good things for the community without payment, such as organising shopping for the elderly and people who can't leave their houses and for a long time I have wanted to work for the NHS.

"It pleases me to help someone in need of care. 

"I want to be a support worker for the NHS, a driver or a porter."

Chinwe Umenyi said: "I would really recommend it.

"I did the course because I wanted to work for the NHS and this has given me the confidence."  

And Tania Tamba said: "This programme is so nice and I have learned new skills.

"It has also has given me confidence for interviews to get a job in the NHS.

"I am now progressing onto a nursing associate programme."

Cllr Fida Hussain, Cabinet Member for Enterprise, said: "Get Oldham Working is a wonderful service offering invaluable support to our residents and employers, and this is a brilliant example of what can be achieved.

"It's so uplifting to hear how this course has helped people on the path to working for the NHS who may not have otherwise realised their potential.

“Congratulations to everyone who has completed this course and I'm wishing you all the very best on your future careers."

To take part in the next programme, email: Getoldhamworking@oldham.gov.uk

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