County Durham residents are being offered support to start working in social care.
County Durham Care Academy, which is run by Durham County Council, is launching another ‘Pathways to Careers’ programme later this month, to help people develop the skills needed for the sector.
The free course, which is delivered part-time by DurhamLearn, is designed to help learners explore the different opportunities available to them that best match their skills and interests.
Starting on 28 April for 10 weeks, it will help people develop a greater understanding of what adult social care involves, the diverse needs of service users, and other important factors such as safeguarding.
Chidinma Judith Dike is one of four care workers recently supported by the programme. Originally from Nigeria, Chidinma was working as an English teacher in Ukraine and moved to England under a Ukrainian settlement scheme.
The flexible skills training has helped Chidinma and her three peers, whose first language isn’t English, to overcome barriers to learning and secure employment.
“I was so excited and so grateful to start the course,” explains Chidinma.
“I have learnt so much – we even had the opportunity to do a shift in one of the care homes and that is when I knew that this is something I could do. I really enjoyed that hands on experience.”
Chidinma is encouraging anyone interested in care to try the programme.
“You will be welcome here, you will feel comfortable and the knowledge you want to acquire is right here,” said Chidinma.
“Everything you need to get that foundation for a career in care is right here. When I’m applying for jobs now, I’m not holding back anymore.”
To find out more about the courses and the one-to-one support available, visit www.durham.gov.uk/ASCtraining
More information on the County Durham Care Academy, which aims to support the recruitment and retention of people in the social care workforce, can be found at
DurhamLearn offers a range of courses to residents across the county, both in person and online. To find out more, visit www.durham.gov.uk/durhamlearncourses