The Ministry of Employment, in collaboration with the Care Agency, have launched the Skills for Care Apprenticeship, with a new cohort of 18 care worker trainees inducted during the past few weeks. 

The candidates were required to sit an entry exam, as well as an interview, before being selected for this apprenticeship. Over the coming months, they will complete their training with the Care Agency, combining classroom learning with hands-on experience. They will be covering topics such as safeguarding, manual handling, infection control and first aid amongst others. 

They will be working alongside experienced care professionals in a variety of settings, gaining first- hand insight into the day-to-day realities of supporting adults with supported needs, children in residential services and individuals living with long-term health conditions. 

Upon successful completion, they will have the opportunity to take on permanent roles within the care sector. 

Chief Executive Officer of the Care Agency, Carlos Banderas said: “This Apprenticeship will help train the next generation of care workers who are able to provide compassionate, high-quality, person-centred care to the most vulnerable in our community. We are looking forward to working with our apprentices to achieve the best possible outcomes for all our service users and supporting them to achieve their full potential in their new career.” 

Minister for Health and Care, Gemma Arias-Vasquez, said: “I’m so pleased that Minister Santos has been able to deliver this course, to have trained care workers to strengthen our workforce. I very much hope that this is the first of many such courses, for the benefit of the Care Agency. I applaud each apprentice for taking this important step, and I look forward to the positive impact it will make in the lives of those they support.” 

Minister for Employment, Christian Santos, said: “Programmes like this are essential to building a stronger, resilient and more sustainable care workforce. These apprentices are not only gaining valuable skills, they’re also playing a vital role in improving lives across our communities. They are not only trainees, but future care leaders. I commend their decision to step forward, and help shape a sector that is central to the wellbeing of our citizens.”