Care agency offering Flintshire jobseekers paid training as they look to strengthen numbers

An award-winning care agency in Wales is offering jobseekers paid training as they look to strengthen their numbers in the lead-up to Christmas.

Abacare says the shadow training, or on the job training, new recruits undergo is something many of its carers enjoy the most.

Tracey Webster, Registered Manager at Abacare, said: “There’s no better way to learn than to get involved and get hands on, which is why our shadow training is one of the most enjoyable parts of the training for our staff. It allows them to get out there into the field and really get a feel for what the job entails.

“It allows new trainees to ask any questions they might have, including regarding correct procedures. They’ll be able to see how various tasks are carried out. They’ll also be able to have a go at them themselves under supervision.

“They have the opportunity to chat to an experienced carer or manager about any queries they might have. They’ll be able to get a bit more of an insight into it from someone who has been there themselves. This is extremely reassuring for them. 

“We’re urging anyone thinking of changing their job, or getting back into the workforce again, to get in touch.”

Abacare operates a professional Care Management Team committed to providing high quality care to individuals in their own homes as well as providing positive based outcomes and person-centred care to people throughout the UK.

Due to the current pandemic, they need to boost their numbers immediately so they can continue to protect service users and the NHS.

They are calling on anyone who is currently fit and healthy but unable to work, following business closures and restrictions, to sign up for a care role and to help in their own communities.

Tracey said: “Anyone who is naturally caring, friendly, helpful and empathetic could fit right into a career in the care industry. Being a carer is a highly skilled, professional vocational occupation that is essential as our population ages.

“The beauty of a job for life means people can start by training with us and work their way up the career ladder gaining further training and qualifications.

“We are looking for highly motivated, reliable individuals who wish to have a stable and long-term career in care, and who would like to forge rewarding relationships with the service users they care for.

“No experience is necessary to become a carer, as free, full training is given.

“If you’ve previously had a customer-facing role, then you’ll have transferable skills and we can give you full, professional training too. You will be doing invaluable work supporting those most in need, while, also, protecting the NHS.

“We have had hairdressers, retail workers and even chefs who are no longer able to work after losing their jobs due to the pandemic, transfer their skills to us.”

She added: “We will be able to provide our free, full training on a fast-track basis to make sure everyone we take on is ready.

“This includes a company induction, first-aid, information on dementia, health and safety, food safety, infection control, handling medication and moving and handling service users, with the opportunity to achieve Qualification and Credit Framework (QCF) after the initial three months probationary period.

“The Government has also taken steps to ensure a quicker turnaround on DBS checks, so we can get people into work even quicker.

“New recruits are given free uniforms, access to national staff discount schemes for all major brands as well as 28 days paid holiday, paid travel between calls and paid mileage.”

Abacare’s core values include ‘make us proud’, ‘focus on our service users’ wellbeing’, ‘communicate, listen well and speak with respect’, ‘be passionate, honest, caring and considerate’, ‘recruit and develop the very best’ and ‘lead by example’.

They are also a member of the United Kingdom Homecare Association, Ceretas (formerly British Association of Domiciliary Care), The National Homecare Council and The Information Commissioners Office (Data Protection).

For more information or to enquire about a position at Abacare, visit www.abacare.org.uk or www.indeed.com/cmp/Abacare.