Vocational training programmes aim to help tackle workforce shortages

Two vocational training programmes have been launched to help address the country’s shortage of adult social care workers.

The City and Guilds-accredited courses have been launched by Oxford International Education Group (OIEG).

Its Diploma in Adult Social Care (Level II) provides an entry-level qualification in health and social care for those already working in a care setting or who can secure a work placement in the UK or their home country. The Professional Diploma in Adult Social Care (Level III, Foundation level) is delivered at pathway centres in London and Oxford and combines face-to-face tuition with a placement within a care setting.

On successful completion of either, students will be eligible to apply for a UK skilled worker visa, with diploma graduates entitled to apply for more junior roles and professional diploma graduates qualifying for more senior positions within adult social care settings.

The move is part of OIEG’s expansion into vocational training and follows its launch of similar programmes in the care sector in Canada.

‘The UK is at a crunch-point: the bottom line is that we simply do not have enough people entering the health and social care sector as a profession and our most vulnerable citizens are missing out on the care they need. Through this course offering, we’re not only doing our part in tackling this urgent issue, but also helping an increased number of local and international students with their professional development,’ said Gary Palmer, OIEG’s Digital Institute managing director.

Lil Bremermann-Richard, OIEG chief executive, added: ‘Launching these accredited vocational courses in the UK, particularly with scholarship options available, is a huge milestone for us. The programmes are designed with academic and professional achievement in mind and we’re extremely proud to be giving more students the opportunity to build a fulfilling career in the UK.’

Skills for Care figures show 9.9% of posts in adult social care were vacant in 2022/23, which is equivalent to 152,000 vacant posts on any given day.