DHU healthcare has been working in partnership with CPC Training and the Job Centre to tackle the challenges of unemployment within West Midlands communities.
As a leading provider of NHS111 services DHU Healthcare, a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, developed the initiative that has already resulted in more than 45 Health Advisors being brought into their Advice Centre based in Oldbury.
Georgia Louise-Silakowski, one of DHU’s Talent Acquisition Coordinators at DHU Healthcare, introduced the initiative that has established a unique three-way partnership with the Job Centre and CPC Training, who specialise in providing comprehensive training programs for individuals seeking employment opportunities.
The collaboration is aimed at equipping candidates with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in the healthcare sector, improving employment opportunities and providing DHU with, in this case, skilled Health Advisors to provide quality, compassionate care.
Reflecting on her contribution, Georgia shared, "It's nice to be able to play a part in bringing employment and careers to my hometown which is known for high rates of unemployment and people who struggle to find not only jobs but actual careers. It’s a hugely positive move that benefits all parties by providing a potential career in healthcare for people who perhaps struggled to find work and for us at DHU, we have been able to strengthen our team at a time where recruitment challenges within the NHS is well known. More positive things to come!"
The initiative works by Job Centre putting forwards candidates that were enrolled in a two-week pre-interview course, offered by CPC Training. The course covered a wide range of topics, including call types, healthcare work, clinical terminology and interview techniques. By preparing candidates not only for working in the healthcare sector but also for re-entering the job market, this initiative demonstrates a strong commitment to long-term career prospects.
The partnership's success has been widely acknowledged, as Georgia's efforts recently played a pivotal role in securing a grant to continue CPC Training's work with the unemployed for the next three years at least.
DHU Chief Executive Stephen Bateman added: “This is a fantastic achievement and the work Georgia has done in setting up this innovative partnership genuinely reflects our CARE values; Compassionate, Accomplished, Respectful and Encouraging. It will help to support the local community and provide opportunities for individuals to build meaningful careers during extremely challenging times.
“This inspiring project serves as a reminder of the positive change that can be achieved when organisations and individuals come together to improve the overall welfare of the community.”