| |
 |
| |
Healthcare Academy Graduation |
Perth College UHI welcomed Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health today (Friday 29 October 2010), who attended the Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Academy graduation ceremony. The graduates recently completed an eight-week course aimed at encouraging them to choose a career within the health and social care industry.
She heard how the Academy programme enables individuals who are experiencing long term unemployment to gain the skills, knowledge and confidence required to secure employment.
Shona Robison, Minister for Public Health said: “I welcome this dedicated partnership between Perth College UHI, NHS Tayside, Perth & Kinross Council, Jobcentre Plus and Skills Development Scotland. These partners are working together to provide development and employment opportunities across the care sector in Perth and Kinross.
“I wish all today’s graduates the very best of luck as they embark on a rewarding career in health and community care.”
Eleanor Brown, Perth College UHI Curriculum Manager explained: “As part of the course, students complete placements - often in hospitals or residential homes, and are taught IT skills, basic first aid, food hygiene, moving and handling skills and health service and social care values.
“All successful students are guaranteed an interview within the industry, easing recruitment needs of both the employer and participants. The students really benefit from high quality training and workplace experience that prepares them for employment in health and community care.
“This successful programme has been recognised by HMIe as a sector leading, innovative practice and is an outstanding example of organisations working in partnership to achieve something together that they couldn’t on their own.”
NHS Tayside chairman Mr Sandy Watson, added: “The Healthcare Academy has made an extremely positive impact on the lives of many local people.
“It is an excellent example of a dedicated and committed partnership which proves that by finding innovative ways of working together we can make a real difference. The Academy continues to provide people in Perth with opportunities to develop their skills and gain real work experience in a healthcare environment.
“I would like to congratulate the students here today and wish them every success for the future.”
For more information, contact Eleanor Brown at Perth College UHI on 01738 877858 or eleanor.brown@perth.uhi.ac.uk.