More than 2,000 carers join new training programme

More than 2,000 carers have now taken part in a new training scheme designed to improve their skills and develop their careers, council bosses have said,

The Social Care Academy for Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent was developed to help those who work in the adult social care sector and began as a pilot project last year.

It offers free or low-cost courses, with topics ranging from core care skills and leadership to dementia, medication management, autism, end-of-life care and digital skills.

The training is open to people who work in care homes, home care, supported living and day services as well as personal assistants and those looking to start a career in care.

Bosses said the academy had helped widen access to training and helped the sector build a stronger workforce.

"A resilient and growing social care workforce in Stoke-on-Trent has never been more important," said councillor Lynn Watkins, cabinet member at the city council.

"The academy is helping us to equip people with the skills and confidence they need, at every stage of their career."

Martin Rogerson, cabinet member at Staffordshire County Council, added that caring for people was a top strategic priority for the authority.

"The Social Care Academy is not only about improving access to high quality training, but also about recognising social care as a professional, skilled career," he said.

"The success of the pilot shows the appetite within our workforce to learn, develop and progress."

The academy was formed following discussions with local care providers and staff, and training is designed to reflect real needs and career development.

Following its launch last year those behind the scheme said they would expand the range of courses and continue to grow the academy as a key part of the region's social care workforce strategy.

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