Step into Work – Mental Health Care Assistant Programme – Blackpool

Do you live in the Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre locality?

Have you thought about being a Healthcare Support Worker within a Mental Health inpatient ward?

 This programme could be for you*!

An overview of the programme – 

This programme is designed to support and prepare people to gain employment as a Healthcare Support Worker in a mental health setting for LSCft in their Blackpool Locality.

The course allows learners to understand what it takes to work in a Mental Health setting whilst supporting them to gain relevant qualifications for the role of a Healthcare Support worker.

As part of the programme, learners will complete short courses in a range of subjects to upskill and increase knowledge in sector-specific topics to improve opportunities for progression.

The design of the programme was in collaboration with LSCFT and The Harbour to create a programme that would prepare learners for stepping into the Health Care Assistant role. Staff from LSCFT will support employability sessions to give a valuable insight into the expectations of applicants and support them through the job application process. A two week placement is included in the programme to experience the role and the environment of a mental health inpatient unit.

Programme Recruitment events are currently planned for the below dates – please email hsc.lal@nelsongroup.ac.uk for information related to this programme and to book onto one of the recruitment days (see poster below)

1. Thursday 24th April 2025 10am-2pm
2. Thursday 1st May 2025 10am-2pm

The programme is planned to run for 10-12 weeks (not including half terms):

• Start Date – Week commencing 5th May
• Weeks 1-6: Class based sessions attending 2 days a week Thursday & Friday 10am – 3.30pm at the Harbour, 1 day a week virtual delivery 10am – 3.30pm (TBC)
• Week 7: Mop up of placement checks & coursework
• Weeks 8-9: Placement: 3 days each week 5 hours, varied shifts at the Harbour
• Week 10-12: Interviews

Successful completion of the course and placement will guarantee you an interview** for a band 3 Healthcare Assistant role at The Harbour. Please be advised if you are successful for a role at the Harbour you will be expected to work a shift rota which includes working days, nights, weekends & Bank holidays. The course times are to support the learning and are not reflective of the shifts you would work in full time employment for the band 3 HCA role. 

For more information and to apply, please contact your work coach for information on how to enrol!

Terms and Conditions of enrolment onto this course:

1. *You must be 19+ to qualify for this program.
2. You must have eligible Right to Work in the UK to enrol on the programme.
3. Must live in the Blackpool, Fylde & Wyre locality.
4. **Interview is guaranteed upon completion of the course, however employment into any role is dependant on a successful interview.
5.  If you are successful for a role at the Harbour you will be expected to work a shift rota which includes working days, nights, weekends & Bank holidays.
6. Will need access to a device and data which enables you to attend ALL virtual sessions.