New courses in Stafford to meet care career needs
A Stafford-based company is creating more jobs and training opportunities as it meets the housing and care needs of the ageing population in the south of Staffordshire.
Care Plus is launching a new training course with South Staffordshire College to boost the level of training staff undertake before working with older people.
Care Plus, part of the Housing Plus Group which also includes South Staffordshire Housing Association , is thought to be the first organisation of its kind in the country to launch a care qualification to bolster staff training.
The new course, being run from South Staffordshire College's Rodbaston Campus, will teach staff core competencies before they work with older residents.
It will ensure that all care professionals coming to work for Care Plus complete a two-week course to familiarise them with working practices and the values of Care Plus.
South Staffordshire has one of the fastest growing populations in the country. As one of the district's largest care providers Care Plus manages four extra care schemes, as well as sheltered housing and domiciliary care services, to meet the housing and support needs for older people.
Speaking at the launch of the new course, Stafford MP Jeremy Lefroy said: "It is vital that organisations like Care Plus identify the importance of investing in the appropriate training for staff working with older and vulnerable people.
The new induction course will help them understand the ethos and values needed when working with these people, who deserve to be treated with the same respect and dignity as anybody else."
The new training course comes as Care Plus, which is committed to creating job opportunities for local people, looks to employ more staff who are passionate about caring for people and want to develop a professional career in care.
It has teamed up with Job Centre Plus to help people who are unemployed to access employment and training opportunities.
Assistant director at Care Plus, Jo Grainger, has worked in the care sector for 25 years and is an example of how people can build a career in the care sector.
"Having started my career as a care assistant I have received the training and support needed to develop and I want our staff to be given the same opportunities. Working in care can be a career for life and there are many opportunities for people who are committed and want to make a difference."
Open days are being held and anyone interested in a career in care should contact Care Plus for more information on 01785 312212.
