Teenagers are getting a first hand look at what it means to work in the care sector, thanks to a new initiative designed to fill job vacancies.
Walnut Care, a Lincolnshire based care agency, has launched a Home Care Cadets programme, offering 17 and 18 year olds practical training and real life experience during their summer break, to enable them learn more about health related systems.
Among those involved is 17 year old Rachel, who shared, “Everyone deserves care,” adding, “It’s an industry that not enough people go into.”
Back in May, the agency’s chief executive Melanie Weatherley admitted that despite their best efforts, they had struggled to hire local workers.
Weatherley, who also leads the Lincolnshire Care Association, noted that the staff shortage had contributed to longer waiting lists for those in need of care.
Through the cadet programme, the teens are learning valuable skills like moving and handling as well as basic life support.
Rachel added, “I think the care sector is really interesting careers wise. It’s definitely one of the careers I’m looking at.”
Abubakar Zainab another participant who is 18 years old, said, “I want to take care of people in need, and this is the best opportunity to gain work experience for that role.”
Alice Weatherley, pictured smiling and wearing a white shirt with the ‘Walnut Care’ logo and a red lanyard, expressed hope that the scheme would inspire the next generation of carers.
