Exciting partnership to transform care training in Cornwall

Cornwall Care and The Cornwall College Group (TCCG) have partnered to create a new Care Academy that will secure the quality training and development of the county’s next generation of carers.

The care sector is one of the region’s biggest employers and is a Heart of the South West Local Enterprise Partnership “golden opportunity”.

Care Academy at Cornwall College St Austell will ensure learners receive the best training, leading to a rewarding career, according to Vice Principal Quality & Curriculum at TCCG, Kate Wills.

“This is a significant moment for training in the care sector for Cornwall, and we are incredibly excited and proud to be working with such a great organisation in Cornwall Care,” she explained.

“Cornwall Care provides a critical service for the region, so to be able to support this work by helping to train and upskill carers is fantastic. Learners will receive quality education and training in a dedicated area with the equipment and resources they will need in their careers.”

Cornwall College St Austell boasts an entire section of its campus for the Care Academy, providing training rooms, interactive bed caring stations as well as larger meeting areas.

Places are now available for 16- to 18-year-olds on the two-year, Level 3 Health and Social Care Practice course, an exciting new way to develop the skills and competencies needed for a career in the health services and/or social care field.

The course provides in-depth study and training and two days per week in a range of health and social care settings, with Cornwall Care. It also provides the theory and experience, invaluable for progression into higher education, such as a nursing degree or into employment in the health sector as a practitioner in a variety of settings.

Learners will also have opportunities to develop effective communication techniques as well as a range of practical skills, which are vital to work and progress in this field.

Anne Thomas, CEO of Cornwall Care, said the partnership was “very important to us”.

“Our two organisations have a natural synergy that will be of real benefit to the many people of all ages who choose a career in care,” she explained.

“There will be plenty of jobs available for those taking the range of courses provided over the next couple of years and current staff are also being encouraged to fulfil their own ambitions with ongoing professional development.

“Care has never been more vital for communities and, as a career path, is rewarding, satisfying and ripe with opportunity.”

With guaranteed placements in the sector, Kate said it was an incredible opportunity not to be missed.

“We are also looking at running shorter courses, which will help people upskill so they can progress in an existing career, or for those who want to try their hand at caring without committing to a full-time course,” she added.

Principal and Chief Executive of The Cornwall College Group, John Evans, said he was delighted to welcome Cornwall Care onto the St Austell campus.

“This partnership is yet another example of how our College is providing opportunities for people who want rewarding careers,” he said.

“We are called The Career College for a reason; we provide people with skills and knowledge that lead to qualifications that have kudos in the industries they relate to, helping learners embark on rewarding careers on completion.

“With a highly experienced new senior leadership team, we know what quality looks like and we are ensuring all our courses are on track to boasting the very highest standards in education.”

If you are interested or know someone who would be interested in finding out more about a career in caring, the Care Academy is taking applications for this September.

Please visit www.cornwall.ac.uk/care for details and an online application, email enquiries@cornwall.ac.uk or call 0330 123 2523.