Learners have taken giant strides towards a career in healthcare after progressing to a new longer-term programme in the sector.

Nine learners from Coventry College successfully completed a Sector Gateway programme and are now moving onto a Kickstart scheme with University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire (UHCW).

The College has worked in partnership with Coventry JobCentre Plus and UHCW in response to the government’s ‘Plan for Jobs’ policy.

Kickstart is a government scheme which funds thousands of six month work placements for young people aged 16-24 at long term risk of unemployment due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The scheme pays employers 100% of the National Minimum Wage for 25 hours a week, along with National Insurance contributions and a grant of £1,500 to cover set-up and training costs.

Coventry College has already delivered a number of short Sector Gateway programmes which help people to update their key skills in preparation for employment and give them a taste of different sectors.

Emma Ingram, Head of Employer Engagement and Sales at Coventry College, is delighted with the group’s progression.

Emma said: “We are so proud of our learners who are now progressing onto a Kickstart programme with University Hospitals Coventry & Warwickshire.

“The College has worked very closely with Coventry JobCentre Plus & UHCW’ s Group Head of Workforce to deliver these programmes which benefit jobseekers hit hardest by the pandemic.”

Emma added: “By offering these programmes we are hopefully giving people out of work a fresh start and the opportunity to develop new skills which can lead to a new career.”

If you are an employer seeking support with recruitment, or are interested in taking on young people through the Kickstart programme, please contact our Employer Engagement Team on 02476 791700 today or email [email protected]