LOCAL people are being urged to join an online careers fair to find out more about gaining new jobs in health and social care.
The West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is holding the ‘Your Career’ event as part of its plans to drive the region’s economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.
The event, on Thursday, November 26, will consist of two webinars – one for health care and one for social care – featuring local employers who are recruiting now, together with experts advising on the benefits, rewards and career development offered in the sector.
There are more than 350 careers in the NHS with more than 1,500 jobs currently available in the West Midlands. As
well as clinical staff, these include receptionists, call handlers, administrative support staff, IT engineers, secretaries, switchboard operators and payroll officers.
Social care jobs available now include care workers, support workers and administrative roles to provide backup office support.
The WMCA funds a wide range of training courses to equip local people with the skills they need to gain new jobs in growth sectors, including health and social care.
Chloe Southall, aged 23, was working as a passenger assistant for a local taxi firm and wanted to push herself further, but she was low on confidence and didn’t know what she wanted to do for a career.
Coventry-based training provider PET-Xi helped her to upskill to enhance her CV, which involved gaining level 2 qualifications in customer service, health and safety, and IT.
The courses, which were funded by the WMCA, enabled her to find out more about jobs she might enjoy and equipped her with a variety of transferable skills.
As a result, she has secured a full-time role as a care support worker, helping people with disabilities to stay independent in their homes.
Chloe said: “One day I could be helping someone do the basics such as cooking and cleaning, while the next I’ll be keeping someone with a mental health illness company to make sure they’re okay.
“I really feel like I am making a difference and on a path where I can progress.”
The ‘Your Career – Social Care’ webinar runs from 10-11am on Thursday, November 26. To book visit here
The ‘Your Career – Health Care’ webinar runs from 11.30am-12.30pm on the same day. To book visit https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4096378314407981840here
