Hounslow Skills Academy gets £250,000 to unlock routes into care work

Hounslow Council is set to invest a quarter of a million pounds into boosting social care recruitment across the borough.  

The creation of a ‘Hounslow Care Sector Skills Academy’ will offer new pathways into care work for residents. Funded by the Government’s Covid Grant Scheme, the academy will create unique opportunities for people to retrain and undertake highly rewarding work with defined career progression. The Skills Academy will also provide entry level support training, including apprenticeships and Kickstarter roles, helping the next generation of qualified care workers and registered social workers enter the profession. 

The project is part of the Council’s wider commitment to provide good employment and training opportunities for Hounslow residents. The recently launched Hounslow Lions social care recruitment campaign is seeking to find residents with the characteristics and passion that could make a real difference to Hounslow. There are a variety of well-paid care roles available and successful applicants can enjoy flexible working and being part of a supportive team.  

Councillor Candice Atterton, Cabinet Member for Adults, Social Care and Health, said:  

“There are some great opportunities for local people looking for work, who have the right attributes for the job. You don’t need previous experience to consider a career in care. We provide training and offer secure employment and career progression opportunities. 

“Our care workers make a tremendous contribution to our community, keeping our most vulnerable people safe and happy. It’s a great time to make the change and discover the pride of working in care.”  

Councillor Tom Bruce, Cabinet Member for Education, Children and Youth Services, said:  

“The Skills Academy is an exciting new programme that really taps into local talent and empowers adult learning across the borough.  

“If you’re interested in a career change or just starting out, the Skills Academy will offer a fantastic opportunity to learn meaningful skills that make an enormous impact to the local community and secure stable well-paid work.” 

Hounslow Council owns two adult care homes in the borough: Sandbanks Resource Centre in Feltham and Clifton Gardens in Chiswick. It also works with a range of providers that are commissioned by the Council to provide care and support to vulnerable people who live locally. 

The benefits of working with Hounslow Council providers include: 

• Many providers pay the London Living Wage, which is £11.05 an hour.  
• Flexible hours. 
• Diverse and inclusive environment. 
• Living and working locally. 
• Career progression opportunities. 
• A safe working environment, including the provision of full PPE.