Health and Social Care Students Get Stepping Stone into Industry
A partnership between Coleg Menai and Isle of Anglesey County Council continues to grow from strength to strength, as Health and Social care students get the opportunity to undertake a full weeks’ worth of work experience with qualified Social Care staff at the Local Authority.
The ‘Steps to Care’ programme was developed over two years ago, so that both level 2 and level 3 Care students at Coleg Menai get the opportunity to shadow Isle of Anglesey County Council’s Adult and Children and Families Services staff. Students will be given the opportunity to put their knowledge into practice, observe professional practice and gain experience in a real-life care setting.
Fôn Roberts, Director of Social Services at Isle of Anglesey County Council, recently came into the college to present the initiative to this year’s cohort of learners, where he outlined that the placements - offered exclusively to Coleg Menai students - will be carried out in a range of departments, including Care Homes, Mental Health Teams, Supported Living Support and Child care settings.
When learners are successful in gaining a work placement within one of these settings, they can then be fast-tracked for relief work when they complete their studies and/or begin looking for work with the Council Health and Social Care services.
Students will be assigned their own mentor to support them during their work experience and will also receive a Handbook full of useful information and practical tips.
Catherine Smith, Health and Care Programme Area Manager at Coleg Menai, said,“We are really excited to be continuing to work alongside Isle of Anglesey County Council to ensure that local young people are provided with the best possible future prospects in the Health and Social care industry”
“This partnership provides valuable work experience for our students, as well as preparing them with good employability skills through the application and selection process. We look forward to developing our relationship with the Local Authority and seeing what other opportunities are possible through our collaboration!”
Fôn Roberts said, “This is a fantastic initiative that will provide local young learners with an opportunity to have direct experience of working within the health and social care industry. Students will work alongside fully qualified and experienced Health and Social Care professionals that will support them develop their skills, knowledge and practice.”
He added, “The County Council is proud to have a strong partnership with Coleg Menai, and it was great to meet the young people and we very much look forward to collaborating further to ensure that more positive opportunities are provided.”