PEMBROKESHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL IS launching a bespoke apprenticeship programme to boost the numbers of people entering the caring profession and provide local young people with high value work opportunities.

The Council’s Social Services and Housing Directorate is to recruit up to eight apprentices through the programme in conjunction with Pembrokeshire College.

The apprenticeships will benefit both the authority and the wider community by increasing the numbers of carers into the care workforce – an ongoing challenge across the UK – while also supporting the local community and young people through job opportunities in a highly rewarding career.

This is especially important as Pembrokeshire recovers from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The programme will see apprentices undertake two placements over a period of 18 months across Residential Homes, Day Centres, Reablement and the Council’s Community Wellbeing and Independence Team.  

These services are registered under The Regulation and Inspection of Social Care (Wales) Act 2016. 

Sue Thomson, the Responsible Individual (RI) for the Local Authority who is responsible for the overall management, compliance and Governance of the services said: “We are delighted to be able to offer apprenticeships.  This is a great start to a career in social care where they will gain recognised Health & Social Care qualifications in a variety of rewarding roles”.

Pembrokeshire County Council Cabinet Member for Social Services, Cllr Tessa Hodgson said: “It is great to see the Council taking proactive steps to bring young people into social care with this apprenticeship programme, setting them on the path to a rewarding career that makes such a difference to people in our community.

“An apprenticeship is a great way to get an introduction into a career and to learn and study on the job.”

Pembrokeshire County Council Director of Social Services, Jonathan Griffiths, added: “I really welcome the apprenticeship programme, this will be A positive experience for people entering the social care field and for apprentices to shape the future of social care.

“We want to work with apprentices to ensure this is a rewarding experience for you and for the organisation. It is an opportunity not to be missed and we look forward to your interest and enthusiasm to make a positive difference for people who need support in our community.”

Alongside the placements, the apprentices will be supported by a development programme including an induction, orientation in the role, being supported by a mentor, undertaking a Level 2 qualification in Health and Social Care, achieving Social Care Wales registration and undertaking additional development activities including interview skills, communication skills and more.

The aim at the end of the programme will be for the apprentices to be work ready for a role within the Community Wellbeing and Independence Team (domiciliary care).

The plan is for the first cohort to be in place by February 2022.

Jason Bennett, the Council’s Head of Adult Care, Social Care and Housing, said: “I am very pleased to see the launch of the Social Care Apprenticeship programme. This presents an exciting opportunity for people to start their journey on a rewarding career in Social Care.

“Starting a career in social care in this way will open up a wide range of future development opportunities, job security, and offers people the chance to make a real difference to people’s lives.”

The recruitment and advertising campaign will be open until early February and will include engaging information events and a specialist recruitment website.

A group of new and young carers will be on hand to share their positive experiences of working in care with prospective apprentices.

Anyone who is interested in social care, considering a career in the social care field and is a school or college leaver aged over 16 is asked to make contact.

Choosing an apprenticeship is a great start to a career in health and social care and you will get paid while you study and learn and work towards a recognised qualification. For further information call 01437 776609.