Health & Social Care Joins Forces With NHS For Ground-Breaking New BTEC Course

The Sixth Form College has teamed up with Wirral Community NHS Trust to create a ground-breaking Health & Social Care course which is the first of its kind in the area.

The new Health & Social Care BTEC Level 3 Diploma aims to be 16-19-year-olds’  first step into an NHS career in community-based care, incorporating the academic foundations taught by our experienced industry experts that have been so successful at the college already, along with real work experience with the NHS in the Wirral community.

Throughout the two-year course, students will learn the scientific basis, techniques and systems behind the practical work involved in out of hospital care, including therapies, physiological disorders and providing quality support for each individual’s needs. This will be bolstered by extended periods of work placement in the field, working alongside NHS staff as students put into practice what the academic work has underpinned.

The end result is the knowledge and skill base to apply for work in NHS organisations at Band 3, having already had opportunities to attend recruitment days with a CV that is supported by directly relevant experience and highly-respected references.

Julian Eyre, Deputy Director of Performance for Wirral Community NHS Foundation Trust said: “We’re delighted to be working with The Sixth Form College on this new collaboration as it offers a real opportunity for students who are considering working in a health or caring role. It’s a unique chance to observe and undertake real work alongside nurses, therapists and other healthcare practitioners whilst studying for a qualification that will support their entry into the healthcare workplace.”

Mr Eyre continued: “After completing the course, students will be qualified to apply for healthcare or therapy assistant roles within the Trust and establish themselves on a framework that can support them to build a career within the NHS, and even open up opportunities to professional qualifications such as nursing and therapies.”

Head of Health & Social Care at The Sixth Form College, Andy Walton, said: “This is an excellent opportunity for those who want to work in this growing sector of community-based care. It will develop the skills and knowledge required to make a real difference in your community, because good quality care enhances lives. Care, Compassion, Courage, Communication, Commitment and Competence are critical elements of this programme.”

Andy concluded: “It’s a very exciting partnership, and a great combination of academic development and work experience. We provide specialist tuition at Level 3 with an experienced team with a track record of success and the top class NHS professionals in the Wirral Foundation Trust are the perfect example to learn from.”

The Sixth Form College is hosting an Open Event so that Andy Walton and the Health & Social Care team, as well as NHS representatives, can explain more about the course on Wednesday 22^nd June at 3:30pm, and you’ll be able to ask any questions. There are still some spaces at the event remaining, so click here to register and save your place.

For the course description of the new Health & Social Care BTEC Level 3 Diploma, click here.