North Tyneside Care Academy highlights opportunities for a rewarding career in care

Opportunities to work and progress in a career in care in North Tyneside are in the spotlight today as North Tyneside’s Care Academy is officially launched (Monday 27 February).

Whether employees are new to care or have years of experience, the care academy is designed to support anyone at any stage of their career in adult social care.

A career in care can be extremely rewarding and the Council has joined with the NHS, social care providers, the voluntary sector and local schools and colleges to develop and launch the care academy.

It’s designed to not only recruit more staff into the sector by showcasing the fantastic training and development on offer, but it’s a retention tool for the existing workforce to showcase career progression opportunities, training sessions and more.

The website is a celebration of the fantastic adult social care sector in North Tyneside and the local authority hopes that by showcasing what the borough has to offer, it can attract more people to, and keep people working in care in the borough.

As part of North Tyneside Council’s ongoing commitment to addressing the national care shortage, a campaign has also been launched across the borough to encourage residents to consider a career in care.

Speaking of the launch, Cllr Anthony McMullen, cabinet member for adult social care at North Tyneside Council, said: “The work that our adult social care workforce deliver for our residents is not only absolutely vital, but it’s work that can change someone’s life for the better, work that brings comfort to families and work that makes a real difference.

“We’ve brought together partners across our borough to launch North Tyneside Care Academy so that we can showcase just how fantastic a career in care is. It’s a message that too often gets lost.

“We want it to become a place where our existing workforce, and anyone considering a move into care, can go to get the training, support, and guidance they need to have a thriving, successful career.”

The Care Academy is shining a light on those who currently work in adult social care in North Tyneside, sharing stories of just how rewarding a career in care can be and the progression opportunities available.

After 22 years working for North Tyneside Council in adult social care, Jill Gardener is sharing her career journey. After completing her Psychology degree, Jill joined the council as a Support Worker and is now a Senior Social Worker in its mental health team.

Speaking of her experience she said: “I started my career as a support worker in the Mental Health Team and over twenty years later I’ve come full circle and I’m now back in the team with more experience and new qualifications as a supervisor. It’s been a great journey.

“The Council has treated me well, provided me opportunities to develop and they’ve even supported me through a work-based learning degree where I earned money working while completing my degree which was brilliant.

“I’ve stayed in this area so long because one positive outcome is worth all of the challenges. Seeing people progress, become independent and make changes to their life is what keeps me going and passionate.”

North Tynesides Care Academy website is live now and includes the latest job vacancies from across the borough: https://www.northtynesidecareacademy.org.uk/