Passports to employment

SOME of the students who completed the health and social care programme

390 have now found jobs thanks to special course
A SCHEME to help the unemployed to get work is celebrating its latest crop of graduates.

Proud family and friends took pictures as people who had completed the two-week, intensive passport to health and social care received their certificates at the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

The course is a series of passport programmes run by the skills for jobs team at Oldham College since 2009

Tony Spencer, the college’s director of business development said: “In the last 12 months we have supported almost 1,100 people into training and, as a result, 390 have found employment. The skills-for-jobs team works in close partnership with Jobcentre Plus and other supporting agencies who refer clients to our various courses such as passport programmes in warehousing, retail, IT and, of course, care.

“We know that in these tough economic times finding work is difficult so these passports are designed to improve employability skills such as job search, creating and improving a CV and interview skills.

“They also give vocational knowledge and understanding which will be of great value to employers.”

Passport to health and social care covers areas such as accessibility issues and the emotional needs of children and adults. It leads to a BTEC level 1 award in health and social care.

Of the 55 people who have completed it since August, 2010, 20 have gained employment.

They include Patricia Slicker (42) from Royton who received her certificate from Tony.

The mother and grandmother took voluntary redundancy from her office supply job last year and said: “It was time for a career change and caring and supporting people is something I have always been passionate about.

“I was unemployed for a little while and the opportunity came up to do the passport to health and social care. I jumped at the chance!

“It was fantastic and I would recommend it to anybody. The college tutors are absolutely amazing, open and friendly. It is through their help and support I got a job.”

Patricia is now working as a support worker for adults with learning disabilities with Heathcote Support Services.

She helps them to maintain their independence and said: “I love it, it is fantastic.

“There is nothing more rewarding than taking someone out and they come back smiling, happy and having had a good time.”