Young adults and over-50s offered training in care system in new bid to ‘get Britain working’

Young adults and over-50s offered training in care system in new bid to ‘get Britain working’ Those who complete training programmes will be guaranteed interviews for care assistant roles, healthcare company Cera said - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Hundreds of young adults and individuals over the age of 50 are set to receive training in the care sector, as part of a new initiative aimed at boosting employment. Healthcare provider Cera announced that those who complete the two to six-week training programmes will be guaranteed interviews for care assistant positions. The company, which operates as a digital-first home healthcare service, will deliver the training through government-backed Sector-Based Work Academy Programmes (Swaps). Fifty such programmes are planned, each accommodating up to 15 participants from both the 18-24 age bracket and the over-50s. Successful completion will award a level one qualification in health and social care. This move comes in the wake of a report by a Labour politician, which highlighted the potential for a "lost generation" of young people without urgent intervention. One-time health secretary Alan Milburn warned last month that a “whole system failure” has led to nearly one in seven of the UK’s 16 to 24-year-olds not in employment, education or training, known as Neets. His report stated that lack of work experience is “the single most-cited barrier to work amongst young people”. The adult social care sector has long faced problems with staff retention and recruitment, with an estimated 111,000 vacancies in England on any given day in 2024/25. Announcing the care sector training, employment minister Dame Diana Johnson said: ”Our mission is to get Britain working – and that means reaching people of every age who have the potential to build meaningful careers. “That’s why Cera’s back to work programme is so vital – from young people finding their confidence and purpose to over-50s returning to work, the scheme will help to change lives. “By joining forces, we can help people kickstart rewarding careers in the care sector while continuing to drive our economy forward.” Dr Ben Maruthappu, Cera founder, said the firm had “actively worked to recruit more older workers and have been glad to see more over-50s applying for jobs at Cera, whether coming from retirement, or looking for a career change”. He said the company was now also “determined to attract more young talent into this uniquely rewarding line of work, empowering them to build careers for life, with real opportunities for growth, innovation and progression”. The Government said the Department for Work and Pensions covers the administrative costs for running a Swap and the Adult Skills Fund covers pre-employment training. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments