A recently commissioned employer survey from training provider Qube Learning revealed that 46 percent of bosses reported they are looking to recruit new talent into the business following COVID-19. Additionally, 54 percent of businesses reported they are looking to develop existing employees via apprenticeships following COVID-19.
These figures may be higher within the care sector.
The care sector has been hardest hit in terms of resource. Recruiting new talent into the business will be a key motivator for many care providers to ensure they can meet the needs of their existing service users and accommodate the needs of new clients.
The Treasury has also announced a range of employer cash incentives for apprenticeships and traineeships, which will drive further interest in the care sector. The recent launch of the Level 4 and Level 5 Adult Social Care Apprenticeship standards will enable care providers to recruit at all levels.
Joe Crossley, chief executive officer at Qube Learning said: “We will be living with the resulting impacts of COVID-19 for years. There will be a greater focus on recruiting skilled people at senior and leader levels to carry out the more demanding healthcare responsibilities, whilst creating a solid workforce pipeline in entry level roles for those who plan to progress up the career ladder”.
Succession planning and apprenticeships will be vital in getting people into the right roles at the right times.
Understanding where government funding can support employers with training and recruitment is going to be key to care sector business recovery plans. The key is to find the best fitting training provision so that your team can successfully move into the ‘new normal’.
The cash incentives are a ‘no brainer’ for employers who want to recruit a young person but previously didn’t have the resources. For apprentices, the care sector’s positive press from the pandemic and staff being viewed nationally as “key workers”, should make care work seem like a desirable career path with clear progression options from pre-employment through to Level 6.
Apprenticeships are a flexible way to learn on the go whilst at work. Candidates will be appointed a workplace mentor, guiding them as they develop their knowledge, skills and behaviours. The programme includes a 20 percent ‘off the job’ learning element, allowing apprentices to have some dedicated time throughout the programme to take a step back and participate in reflective learning opportunities – alongside being paid for their hands-on work.
For those who might not have time for an apprenticeship, Qube offers an eLearning opportunity, Qube Vision, which looks at various specialisms, including nutrition or infection prevention.
Find out more here.
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