|
Kent Adult Social Services offers a training programme to
people from local Black and minority ethnic communities who want to
work in adult care. The seven week course - called Equal Care -
provides certificated one-day qualifications covering first aid,
food hygiene, health and safety, the protection of vulnerable
adults, how to lift and move people with mobility problems, fire
prevention and cultural diversity.
Case studies
Twelve Black and Asian people in Gravesend have overcome
different problems in their backgrounds to start new careers as
care workers.
Some of the 12 were long-term unemployed. Others needed to
improve their English. But all of them were helped to start on
their new path by the Equal Care project.
People on the course are assigned a mentor who helps to build
their confidence and they get practical tips on how to write a CV
and how to put themselves across at interview. Another vital part
of the course is work experience. Those who need to improve their
English are pointed in the direction of Adult Education classes,
some specialising in social care vocabulary for Equal Care
students.
Rani's story
Rani grew up in Punjab, India and was educated until she was 18
years old. She moved to England in 1997 and is married with two
children.
Despite her education, Rani hadn't been able to get a job
because employers said she lacked work experience. Rani's
self-confidence was low, she had no clear career path and felt
closed off from any professional help to becoming financially
independent with a career.
Through recommendation within her community and being assured
from the promotional material, Rani felt comfortable to sign up for
the Equal Care training course.
Rani is now volunteering as a care worker to gain on-the-job
work experience to complement her valuable theoretical knowledge
built up through classroom training and levels of English built-up
through ESOL classes.
"Everything is new and exciting in my life in England now. I
feel I can make decisions quicker and they are correct! I am also
looking forward to working in with success in the care profession
so I can be financially independent".
Project contacts
|