Free care training programme launches

Saturday 18 April 2020

A free care training programme has launched online, as local demand for new carers continues to rise.

Launched by the training wing of the LV Care Group, the Care Academy courses are aimed at those currently working in the sector who wish to update their training.

They are also open to people who are new to the profession and wish to train in the principles of care to be eligible to start new care roles, which the Care Academy team says will prove invaluable to make up the shortfall in staff numbers during the covid-19 outbreak. 

Pictured: The courses aim to cover the mandatory requirements for the healthcare field.

However, the group also hopes the courses will prove useful for any islanders caring for or supporting family members at home.

The training covers the mandatory requirements for the healthcare field, as recommended by the Jersey Care Commission, as well as aligning with the Core Skills Training Framework. 

Health and safety, infection control, food hygiene and safeguarding are among the courses currently on offer.

Additional courses will be made available in the coming weeks, including basic life support (theory only), sepsis awareness and medication administration. A care certificate based on a theory course will also be added soon.  

Due to the ever-evolving nature of information relating to covid-19, the Care Academy said they would not release a dedicated course in this area, encouraging islanders to instead learn how to follow good infection control practices, and to refer to advice given by the Government of Jersey and WHO. 

Hundreds of people have already signed up in Jersey to the online platform, including current carers, nurses and support workers and people new to the sector from both the private and charity sectors. 

Pictured: Verity Sangan, Head of Training and Education for Care Academy.

“We are proud to be able to offer this free online training in the local community at a time when the care sector in Jersey is in desperate need of additional support as it battles the challenges of COVID-19,” Verity Sangan, the Care Academy's Head of Training and Education, said.

“The courses will give any new or existing carers an underpinning knowledge to work in the care sector. 

"For anyone new to care, completing mandatory training is part of the induction process, and we are therefore glad we can enable people to do this online in the absence of any face to face training.”